primary somatosensory cortex (S1)

The primary somatosensory cortex (S1) is a region in the brain located in the parietal lobe responsible for processing sensory information from the body. It receives signals related to touch, temperature, pain, and body position from receptors in the skin, muscles, and joints. S1 allows us to perceive and interpret sensations, enabling us to feel textures, recognize pain, and be aware of our body's position in space. It is organized somatotopically, meaning different areas correspond to specific parts of the body, creating a "map" that helps us understand where sensations originate.