Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
08:49
Visualization of Cortical Modules in Flattened Mammalian Cortices
Published on: January 22, 2018
Brain mapping: the (un)folding of striate cortex
Mark M Schira1, Christopher W Tyler, Marcello G P Rosa
1Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia & School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia. mark.schira@gmail.com
Current Biology : CB
|December 22, 2012
Summary
Brain folding patterns predict visual cortex organization in humans. This finding offers insights into how visual space is mapped in the brain across different species.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroanatomy
- Visual Neuroscience
Background:
- The primary visual cortex (V1) in mammals exhibits an orderly topographic map of the visual field.
- Understanding the principles of cortical mapping is crucial for comprehending brain function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between human cortical folding patterns and the organization of the primary visual cortex.
- To determine if cortical architecture can predict the spatial representation of visual information.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to map cortical surface features.
- Correlation of folding patterns with known functional areas of the visual cortex.
Main Results:
- Cortical folding patterns accurately predict the overall extent of the primary visual cortex.
- Specific folding features correlate with the location of neurons representing distinct visual space points.
Conclusions:
- Human cortical folding is a reliable predictor of primary visual cortex organization.
- These findings support conserved principles of cortical mapping across mammalian species.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
The cerebral cortex, the brain's outermost layer, is pivotal in processing complex cognitive tasks, emotions, and various sensory inputs and executing voluntary motor activities. This intricate structure is divided into three primary functional areas: the motor areas, sensory areas, and association areas.
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
01:23Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex
The somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobes is crucial for interpreting sensory data such as touch, temperature, and proprioception. The somatosensory cortex, situated in the parietal lobes, plays a vital role in interpreting sensory information like touch, temperature, and proprioception—awareness of body position. This specialized brain region features an organized structure wherein neurons at the top primarily process sensations originating from the lower body. In contrast, those at the...
01:30Organization of the Brain
The brain is an integral component of the nervous system and serves as the center for processing sensory inputs, making decisions, and directing bodily actions. This complex organ is organized into three primary sections: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, each responsible for a range of vital functions.
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...
01:20Anatomy of the Brain: Major Regions
The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. It consists of four main parts: the cerebrum, diencephalon, cerebellum, and brainstem.
The cerebrum is the largest section of the brain and divides into left and right hemispheres, separated by a deep fissure. The cerebral outer layer of grey matter — the cerebral cortex — comprises elevations called gyri and shallow groves called sulci. The inner portion of white matter includes long nerve fibers known as axons, which connect various areas...
The cerebrum is the largest section of the brain and divides into left and right hemispheres, separated by a deep fissure. The cerebral outer layer of grey matter — the cerebral cortex — comprises elevations called gyri and shallow groves called sulci. The inner portion of white matter includes long nerve fibers known as axons, which connect various areas...
01:26Cerebrum: Anatomical Overview I
The main and largest component of the human brain is the cerebrum. The cerebrum consists of two main parts: the cerebral cortex, an outer layer with wrinkles or folds known as gyri and shallow grooves called sulci, and a deeper region beneath it. The cerebrum divides into two distinct hemispheres and contains five different lobes: the frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, and insula. The central sulcus separates the frontal and parietal lobes and two functionally important gyri — the...