Computational model of topographic reorganization in somatosensory cortex in response to digit lesions

Abstract A biologically plausible computational model of the somatosensory system which allows the study of processes related to the reorganization of somatotopic maps was developed. The model was constructed with an input layer of tactile receptors (hand) connected to a cortical layer of pyramidal and basket cells (layer IV of area 3b). After the formation of a map in the cortical area, the skin model was lesioned and reorganization was allowed to proceed. The results show that the model is capable of reproducing the formation of the somatotopic maps of the hand with patterns of cortical reorganization similar to those observed in primates.

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