Resting-State functional networks of different topographic representations in the somatosensory cortex of macaque monkeys and humans

Information processing in the brain is mediated through a complex functional network architecture whose comprising nodes integrate and segregate themselves on different timescales. To gain an understanding of the network function it is imperative to identify and understand the network structure with respect to the underlying anatomical connectivity and the topographic organization. Here we show that the previously described resting-state network for the somatosensory area 3b comprises of distinct networks that are characteristic for different topographic representations. Seed-based resting-state functional connectivity analysis in macaque monkeys and humans using BOLD-fMRI signals from the face, the hand and rest of the medial somatosensory representations of area 3b revealed different correlation patterns. Both monkeys and humans have many similarities in the connectivity networks, although the networks are more complex in humans with many more nodes. In both the species face area network has the highest ipsilateral and contralateral connectivity, which included areas 3b and 4, and ventral premotor area. The area 3b hand network included ipsilateral hand representation in area 4. The emergent functional network structures largely reflect the known anatomical connectivity. Our results show that different body part representations in area 3b have independent functional networks perhaps reflecting differences in the behavioral use of different body parts. The results also show that large cortical areas if considered together, do not give a complete and accurate picture of the network architecture.

Automated summary

Information processing in the brain is mediated through a complex functional network architecture, with different nodes integrating and segregating themselves on various timescales. Our study identified distinct networks in the somatosensory area 3b, showing different correlation patterns among face, hand, and medial representations in macaque monkeys and humans. The results suggest that different body part representations in area 3b have independent functional networks, reflecting differences in the behavioral use of those body parts.