The pernicious danger of cortical brain maps

TL;DR

Cortical brain maps, while historically useful for understanding brain regions, can be misleading and potentially harmful when over-relied upon for functional interpretation, especially in complex areas like the prefrontal cortex.

Contribution

This paper critically examines the limitations and potential dangers of cortical parcellation maps in neuroscience research.

Findings

Cortical maps have contributed to understanding brain regions.

Over-reliance on maps can mislead functional interpretations.

Maps may hinder understanding of complex brain functions.

Abstract

The parcellation of the primate cerebral cortex into numbered regions, based on cytoarchitecture, began with the pioneering research of neuroanatomist Kobrinian Brodmann. While the borders between regions have changed somewhat, and in some cases continue to be disputed, the idea of dividing the cortex into distinct numbered areas has become central to the goal of understanding brain function. And indeed, areal maps do provide a good starting point for functional parcellation. It is obvious, for example, that visual area V1 has a different function than primary motor cortex. However, as with anything good, one can take things too far. Indeed, cortical areas, while useful, have several pernicious side effects for neuroscientists interested in function, especially in prefrontal cortex.