Similar somatotopy for active and passive digit representation in primary somatosensory cortex

摘要: Abstract Scientists traditionally use passive stimulation to examine organisational properties of the primary somatosensory cortex (SI). Recent research has, however, emphasised close and bidirectional relationship between motor systems. This suggests active contributions (e.g., direct inputs from system SI) should also be considered when studying SI representations. Under such a framework, discrepant results are possible different tasks used study same underlying representation. Here we examined whether hand representation is consistent compared tasks. Moreover, ask this holds task demands stimulus not directly matched. Using 7T fMRI, three key digit features – spatial location, activity gradient profiles multivariate representational structure. We show that although was increased overall in task, all somatotopy were over tasks, using both traditional univariate (activity-level) (pattern structure) measurements. Despite comparability, investigating fine-grained analysis, superior for individuating across digits. suggest information produced by an more aligned with typical, ecologically relevant patterns sensory input, resulting optimal patterns. Our findings validate utilisation somatotopy.