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Author Dempsey-Jones, H.; Wesselink, D.B.; Friedman, J.; Makin, T.R.
Title Organized Toe Maps in Extreme Foot Users Type Journal Article
Year 2019 Publication Cell Reports Abbreviated Journal Cell Reports
Volume 28 Issue 11 Pages 2748-2756.e4
Keywords
Abstract Although the fine-grained features of topographic maps in the somatosensory cortex can be shaped by everyday experience, it is unknown whether behavior can support the expression of somatotopic maps where they do not typically occur. Unlike the fingers, represented in all primates, individuated toe maps have only been found in non-human primates. Using 1-mm resolution fMRI, we identify organized toe maps in two individuals born without either upper limb who use their feet to substitute missing hand function and even support their profession as foot artists. We demonstrate that the ordering and structure of the artists’ toe representation mimics typical hand representation. We further reveal “hand-like” features of activity patterns, not only in the foot area but also similarly in the missing hand area. We suggest humans may have an innate capacity for forming additional topographic maps that can be expressed with appropriate experience.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Elsevier Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2211-1247 ISBN (down) Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.08.027 Approved no
Call Number Serial 99
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