Supplementary motor area

Definition

The supplementary motor area (SMA) is a region of the brain located on the medial surface of the frontal lobe, involved in the planning and coordination of complex movements. It plays a significant role in the preparation and execution of voluntary movements, particularly those that are internally generated, and is connected to various sensory and motor areas. The SMA is especially important in the context of music perception as it helps with timing, rhythm, and the organization of motor tasks related to musical performance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The SMA is crucial for coordinating movements that require bimanual coordination, such as playing a musical instrument.
2. Research indicates that the SMA is activated not only during actual movement but also during the mental rehearsal of movements, highlighting its role in planning.
3. The SMA has connections to both sensory areas and other motor areas, allowing for integration of sensory feedback during movement execution.
4. Dysfunction or damage to the SMA can lead to movement disorders such as apraxia, where individuals struggle to perform purposeful movements despite having intact motor abilities.
5. In musicians, the SMA shows increased activation compared to non-musicians, suggesting enhanced motor planning capabilities linked to musical training.

Review Questions

• How does the supplementary motor area contribute to the planning and execution of complex movements in musicians?
  • The supplementary motor area (SMA) plays a vital role in musicians by helping coordinate intricate movements needed for playing instruments. It assists in planning these movements, especially when they involve both hands working together. By integrating sensory information and prior experiences, the SMA enables musicians to execute complex sequences smoothly, enhancing their overall performance.
• In what ways does the interaction between the supplementary motor area and auditory cortex influence music perception?
  • The interaction between the supplementary motor area (SMA) and auditory cortex is significant for music perception as it allows musicians to synchronize their movements with auditory cues. When a musician hears a rhythm or melody, the SMA can prepare and adjust motor actions accordingly. This collaboration helps in maintaining timing and accuracy during performance, as well as in responding dynamically to musical changes.
• Evaluate the implications of SMA dysfunction on musical performance and how it relates to broader neurological studies on movement disorders.
  • Dysfunction of the supplementary motor area (SMA) can severely impact musical performance by disrupting coordination and timing necessary for playing an instrument. This dysfunction can lead to conditions like apraxia, where individuals may find it challenging to execute learned movements despite having no physical impairment. Broader neurological studies emphasize understanding how such disruptions affect not only musicians but also individuals with various movement disorders, potentially guiding rehabilitation strategies that incorporate music therapy to enhance motor function recovery.

Related terms

primary motor cortex:

The area of the brain located in the frontal lobe that is responsible for executing voluntary movements by sending signals to muscles.

basal ganglia: A group of nuclei in the brain that play an essential role in coordinating movement, learning, and emotions, often working with the SMA to regulate motor functions.

auditory cortex:

The part of the brain responsible for processing auditory information, which interacts with the SMA during music perception and performance.