What is topographic organization of brain function?

What is topographic organization of brain function?

the arrangement of components in a structure, particularly the orderly spatial relationship between the distribution of neural receptors in an area of the body and a related distribution of neurons representing the same functions in cortical sensory regions of the brain.

What functions is the cerebral cortex responsible for?

The cerebral cortex, which is the outer surface of the brain, is associated with higher level processes such as consciousness, thought, emotion, reasoning, language, and memory. Each cerebral hemisphere can be subdivided into four lobes, each associated with different functions.

Why is topographical organization in the brain useful?

Topographic organization provides invaluable information about brain function and structure. More recently, the presence of topographic organization has been used to delineate boundaries between cortical areas, with V1 again providing a paradigmatic example.

How does the cerebral cortex affect behavior?

Summary: If the front part of the cerebral cortex is less active then people have less control over their social behavior and automatically follow their inclinations more. Their amygdala deep in the brain that is responsible for emotional reactions then becomes extra active.

What happens if you damage the cerebral cortex?

The cerebral cortex plays a crucial role in nearly all brain functions. Damage to it can cause many cognitive, sensory, and emotional difficulties.

What is the topographic organization of the brain?

One of the most specific but also challenging properties of the brain is its topographic organization into distinct modules or cortical areas. In this paper, we first review the concept of topographic organization and its historical development.

When did the topographic view of the brain emerge?

One of the key developments that supported this localizing, topographic view of (human) brain organization was the emergence of microscopical anatomy in the late 19th and early 20th century.

Which is the most topographically organized organ in the body?

The brain a topographically organized organ. The brain is without question the most complex structure in the human body and we are still far from understanding its physiological functioning or pathology. In this context, one of the most distinct features of the brain in comparison to any other organ of the body is its topographic organization.

What is the concept of cortical areas in neuroscience?

The concept of cortical areas is fundamental to systems neuroscience. Cortical areas should differentiate themselves through distinct structure, functionand connectivity. This classical definitions are not trivially translated to human neuroimaging.