The supplementary motor area is the medial part of Brodmann area 6, on the medial surface of the superior frontal gyrus, just in front of the leg area of the primary motor cortex. It plans internally generated movements and sequences, such as movements made from memory. It is active even when movements are only imagined.
| Location | Medial surface of the superior frontal gyrus, anterior to the paracentral lobule |
|---|---|
| Parts |
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| Connections |
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| Blood Supply | Anterior cerebral artery |
Plans and starts self-generated movements and sequences, coordinates both sides of the body and contributes to the start of speech.
Removal or damage causes SMA syndrome: temporary loss of voluntary movement and speech on the opposite side that usually recovers within weeks. Seizures here produce asymmetric posturing of the arms (fencing posture). Reduced SMA activity is linked to the slow movement initiation of Parkinson disease.
Temporary loss of spontaneous movement and speech after injury to the SMA, usually with good recovery.
Brief seizures with sudden asymmetric posturing of the limbs, often with preserved awareness.
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