A network approach to the topological organization of the Brodmann map

Abstract

Brain morphology is the result of functional factors associated with cortical areas, but it is also influenced by structural aspects due to physical and spatial constraints. Despite the noticeable advances in brain mapping, Brodmann's map is still used in many research fields that rely on macroscopic cortical features for practical or theoretical issues. Here, the topological relationships among the Brodmann areas were modeled according to the principles of network analysis, in order to provide a synthetic view of their spatial properties following a criterion of contiguity. The model evidences the importance of the parieto-temporal region in terms of biological burden and topological complexity. The retrosplenial region is particularly influenced by spatial constraints, and the cingulate cortex occupies a position that bridges the anterior and posterior topological blocks. Such spatial framework should be taken into account when dealing with brain morphology in both ontogeny and phylogeny.