What is the Difference Between Precentral and Postcentral Gyrus?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The precentral and postcentral gyri are two distinct regions of the brain that serve different functions. The main differences between them are:

  1. Function: The precentral gyrus is responsible for controlling voluntary motor movements, while the postcentral gyrus is responsible for controlling involuntary functions and appreciating sensations.
  2. Location: The precentral gyrus is located on the lateral side of each cerebral hemisphere of the frontal lobe, while the postcentral gyrus is located on the lateral surface of the parietal lobe of the cerebral.
  3. Primary Cortex: The precentral gyrus provides a site for the primary motor cortex, while the postcentral gyrus provides a site for the primary somatosensory cortex.

In summary, the precentral gyrus is involved in controlling voluntary movements and is located in the frontal lobe, while the postcentral gyrus is involved in controlling involuntary functions and appreciating sensations, and is located in the parietal lobe.

Comparative Table: Precentral vs Postcentral Gyrus

Here is a table comparing the precentral and postcentral gyri:

Feature Precentral Gyrus Postcentral Gyrus
Location Anterior to the central sulcus in the frontal lobe Lateral surface of the parietal lobe
functions Controls voluntary motor movements Controls involuntary functions
Primary Cortex Primary motor cortex (M1) Primary somatosensory cortex
Structure Found on the lateral side of each cerebral hemisphere Found on the lateral surface of the parietal lobe

The precentral gyrus, also known as the primary motor area or cortex, is responsible for controlling voluntary motor movements and is located in the frontal lobe of the brain. On the other hand, the postcentral gyrus, which houses the primary somatosensory cortex, controls involuntary functions and is situated in the parietal lobe.