Body in Mind: a New Look at the Somatosensory Cortices : A New Look at the Somatosensory Cortices

How do we perceive our body and where is it represented in our brain? Since decades it has been known that the primary somatosensory cortex (or SI) codes the surface of our body in a topographical way. Classic studies understand this body map representation in SI as fix and reflecting the physical location of peripheral stimulation in the form of the famous somatosensory homunculus. This book reports results of recent studies that challenge this view and suggest a more complex role of SI. Introduction: Jeff's hand Long-term plasticity in SI : phantom limbs and the existence of the soul Short-term modulations in SI : how using a tool can change our body schema and other examples of top-down mechanisms in SI SI represents the perceived rather than the physical image of the body The two-folded character of touch : viewing the own body magnified Morphing the body My body and your body : SI and the social world Dr. Strangelove and the evil hand Using the dynamic facet of the body image for neurological rehabilitation Conclusion : consequences for the image of our self.