Neurons in the somatosensory cortex receive somatic sensory information from which of the following?

• A. the spinal cord dorsal horn
• B. the cerebellum
• C. the thalamus
• D. the motor cortex

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of the somatosensory cortex: It is the region of the brain responsible for processing sensory information such as touch, pressure, pain, and temperature from the body.
2. Identify the pathway of somatic sensory information: Sensory signals from the body are transmitted via peripheral nerves to the spinal cord and then relayed to higher brain centers.
3. Learn the role of the thalamus: The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information, receiving input from the spinal cord and other sensory pathways before sending it to the somatosensory cortex for processing.
4. Clarify why the spinal cord dorsal horn and cerebellum are not directly involved: The spinal cord dorsal horn is where sensory signals first enter the central nervous system, but it does not directly send information to the somatosensory cortex. The cerebellum is primarily involved in motor coordination, not sensory processing.
5. Understand the relationship between the thalamus and somatosensory cortex: The thalamus filters and organizes sensory information before transmitting it to the somatosensory cortex, making it the correct answer in this context.