From the Research
The paracentral lobule is a critical region for controlling voluntary movement of the legs and feet, as well as processing sensory information from these same body parts, and its morphology and morphometry are essential for diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting this area. The paracentral lobule is a small but significant region of the cerebral cortex located on the medial surface of each hemisphere, where it wraps around from the frontal to the parietal lobe. It contains portions of both the primary motor cortex and primary somatosensory cortex, specifically representing the lower limbs and pelvic region of the body. According to a recent study 1, the morphology of the paracentral lobule can be classified into three distinct types: continuous, partially segmented, and completely segmented, with the partially segmented type being the most common.
The study also found that the mean extrasulcal surface of the left paracentral lobule was significantly larger than the right, both in males and females, which is consistent with previous findings 2. The paracentral lobule receives blood supply primarily from branches of the anterior cerebral artery, making it vulnerable to ischemic events affecting this vascular territory. Functionally, this region works in concert with other motor and sensory areas to coordinate complex movements and integrate sensory feedback necessary for activities like walking, running, and maintaining balance.
Recent research has also highlighted the importance of the paracentral lobule in motor function plasticity, with a study finding bidirectional functional connections between the paracentral lobule and the primary motor cortex 3. This suggests that the paracentral lobule plays a critical role in the neural networks underlying motor control and may be an important target for rehabilitation interventions. Overall, the paracentral lobule is a critical region for motor and sensory function, and its morphology and morphometry are essential for diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting this area.
Key points to consider when evaluating the paracentral lobule include:
- Its morphology and morphometry, which can be classified into three distinct types
- Its blood supply, which is primarily from branches of the anterior cerebral artery
- Its functional connections with other motor and sensory areas, which are critical for coordinating complex movements and integrating sensory feedback
- Its role in motor function plasticity, which may be an important target for rehabilitation interventions.