The Neural Mechanisms of Manual Dexterity

Overview

Journal Nat Rev Neurosci

Specialty Neurology

Date 2021 Oct 29

PMID 34711956

Citations 44

Authors

Anton R Sobinov

Sliman J Bensmaia

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The hand endows us with unparalleled precision and versatility in our interactions with objects, from mundane activities such as grasping to extraordinary ones such as virtuoso pianism. The complex anatomy of the human hand combined with expansive and specialized neuronal control circuits allows a wide range of precise manual behaviours. To support these behaviours, an exquisite sensory apparatus, spanning the modalities of touch and proprioception, conveys detailed and timely information about our interactions with objects and about the objects themselves. The study of manual dexterity provides a unique lens into the sensorimotor mechanisms that endow the nervous system with the ability to flexibly generate complex behaviour.

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