This map of the somatosensory cortex shows distorted body parts because:
A)that is the only way an illustrator can fit all the parts into the picture.
B)it reflects the relative amount of sensory cortex devoted to pressure and touch sensations from a body part.
C)it reflects the number of muscle fibers that are devoted to stimulating a particular body part.
D)it reflects differences in different people depending on how that person perceives his or her body parts.

Question

This map of the somatosensory cortex shows distorted body parts because: 
A)that is the only way an illustrator can fit all the parts into the picture. 
B)it reflects the relative amount of sensory cortex devoted to pressure and touch sensations from a body part. 
C)it reflects the number of muscle fibers that are devoted to stimulating a particular body part. 
D)it reflects differences in different people depending on how that person perceives his or her body parts.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The map shows distorted body parts because it reflects the relative amount of sensory cortex devoted to pressure and touch sensations from a body part. Some parts of the body have more sensory neurons than others, and therefore require more space on the map.

This Map of the Somatosensory Cortex Shows Distorted Body Parts