Proprioceptive representations of the hand in somatosensory cortex

Hand proprioception is critical for executing dexterous movements but has received little experimental attention compared to proximal limb proprioception. Here, we review what is known about how hand posture and movements are encoded in the responses of neurons in somatosensory cortex, highlighting ways in which neuronal representations of hand state differ from their proximal limb counterparts. We also consider the role of proprioception in haptic shape perception – stereognosis – and contemplate the possibility of restoring proprioception through electrical stimulation of the brain to improve the dexterity of bionic hands.