Functional MRI scans provide a new version of the motor homunculus, the mapping of how the primary motor cortex controls parts of the body.

Since the 1930s, the so-called homunculus map has shown how different parts of the brain's motor cortex may control movement to different parts of the body. ... while lying down in an MRI scanner.

The homunculus map of the primary motor cortex (left), compared to the updated map (right). The new map includes regions that control whole-body movements. Gordon, et al. via Nature under CC BY 4.0 ...

In my first neuroscience course at Columbia University, I learned about the homunculus. This “little man” is depicted as an upside-down representation of the human body moving from toe to head ...

The cortical homunculus represents the importance of various parts of your body as seen by your brain. There is little need for the brain to know what’s going on in the arms and legs.

Gordon et al. shares the story of Penfield, his homunculus, and the misunderstandings that still influence our view of M1. Penfield stimulated points along the vertical length of the M1, mapping which ...

Textbook homunculus diagram depicts how the brain controls individual body parts — the revamp could improve treatments for brain injury. Skip to main content Thank you for visiting nature.com.