Brain Anatomy 101: Brodmann area 6

1. Location

Brodmann area 6 is located in the frontal lobe of the brain. It lies just in front of the primary motor cortex (Brodmann area 4) and includes regions known as the premotor cortex and the supplementary motor area (SMA).

2. Function

Brodmann area 6 plays a central role in planning and coordinating complex movements.

• Premotor Cortex:

  This part is involved in planning movements and is connected to both sensory and motor areas of the brain. It helps in selecting and organizing movements, especially those guided by external stimuli.

• Supplementary Motor Area (SMA):

  This part, located more toward the midline of the brain, is involved in initiating movements, coordinating both hands, and learning new movement sequences.

3. Connections with Other Brain Regions

Brodmann area 6 is connected to several other brain regions, including the primary motor cortex, the parietal lobe, and the basal ganglia. These connections enable coordinated responses to sensory input and smooth execution of movements.

Damage or lesions in this area can lead to various problems and conditions, such as:

• Apraxia: Difficulty performing purposeful movements, not due to weakness or lack of understanding, but because the brain struggles with planning the movement.

• Damage to this area is also associated with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and other movement disorders.