Which brain region is responsible for processing sensory signals such as touch and pain?

The somatosensory cortex is crucial for processing sensory signals related to touch, pain, temperature, and proprioception (the sense of body position). This area of the brain is situated in the parietal lobe, just behind the frontal lobe, and is organized in a way that specific regions correspond to sensations from different parts of the body.

When sensory information is received from peripheral receptors, such as those that detect pressure or temperature on the skin, this information is relayed to the somatosensory cortex, where it is interpreted and becomes conscious perception. The somatosensory cortex not only integrates signals from various types of receptors but also plays a role in enabling the perception of the intensity and quality of these sensations, allowing individuals to determine whether they are experiencing something pleasurable, painful, or neutral.

In contrast, other brain regions mentioned in the question serve different functions. The cerebellum is primarily involved in coordinating movement and balance, the visual cortex processes visual information, and the hippocampus is critical for memory formation. These functions are distinct from the primary role of the somatosensory cortex in sensory processing.