Homunculus

/hoʊˈmʌŋ.kjʊ.ləs/ noun

Definition

A distorted representation of the human body mapped onto the cortex, with body part size proportional to the density of sensory or motor innervation.

Etymology

From Latin 'homunculus' meaning 'little man,' diminutive of 'homo' (man). The 'little man' mapped on the brain.

Kelly Says

The cortical homunculus is the brain's weird body map — hands and lips are HUGE because they have the most nerve endings, while the back is tiny!

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