S1 somatotopic maps

Abstract

S1 somatotopic maps refers to spatial patterns in the functional organization of neuronal responses in the mammalian primary somatosensory cortex (S1/SI). Here the term ‘map’ refers to a population of neurons that respond selectively to the presence of stimuli that collectively sample from an underlying stimulus space. Maps are referred to as ‘somatotopic’ when that space is related to locations on the body, such that adjacent neurons in the neural tissue respond selectively to stimuli presented to adjacent locations on the body.