Summary
The Pre-Motor Area (PMA) provides a physical response to visual stimuli. This involves movements and body postures. This area is found immediately adjacent to the SMA.
Function
The PMA is involved in movement in response to external visual stimuli. To begin with, this brain area is responsible for controlling muscles close to the brain. In addition, this area specializes in the adoption of a new body position.
Location
This area is located next to the SMA, on the outside of Brodmann Area 6. This area lies between the prefrontal cortex and the primary motor cortex. The PMA receives its input from the cerebellum.
Fact
Together with the SMA, this brain area is responsible for executing movements. So it is about controlling muscles in the right order. This sequence of muscle movements constitutes a premeditated, intentional action.
Patients
Damage to this area complicates the motor response to visual stimuli. Patients with such damage can see well and recognize objects and situations. Thus, they can respond to a stimulus, and they can perform all movements as usual. They just can't perform the movement properly in response to the visual stimulus.
Author: Myrthe Princen (translated by Melanie Smekal)
Image: Marcel Loeffen