Which area of the brain is responsible for processing sensations such as touch and pain?

The primary somatosensory cortex is specifically responsible for processing sensations such as touch, pain, temperature, and proprioception. This area of the brain is located in the parietal lobe and functions to receive and interpret sensory information from various parts of the body. Each region of the primary somatosensory cortex corresponds to a specific part of the body, allowing for the careful mapping and understanding of sensory experiences.

Other areas like the primary visual cortex, primary motor cortex, and primary auditory cortex each have specialized functions unrelated to tactile sensations. The primary visual cortex focuses on visual stimuli, the primary motor cortex is concerned with voluntary movements, and the primary auditory cortex processes sound information. Thus, the primary somatosensory cortex is uniquely positioned to handle the myriad sensations that come from our skin and other sensory organs, making it the correct answer.