New Brain Map Doubles the Number of Known Regions: A Detailed Look at the Human Brain

by Jasmine June 10, 2025

written by Jasmine June 10, 2025

New Brain Map Doubles the Number of Known Regions

Background

In 1909, Korbinian Brodmann created the first map of the human brain. Over the years, scientists have gradually refined this map, increasing the number of known brain areas to 83.

New Research

Now, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have more than doubled that number, adding 97 new brain regions to the map, bringing the total to 180. The researchers used MRI data from the government-funded Human Connectome Project to create the new map.

Methods

The researchers used several methods to define brain areas, including brain activity, structure, and connectivity. Some areas were demarcated by the thickness of the cortex, while others were defined by the myelin insulation around neuronal cables or by their connections with other brain regions.

Computer-Aided Mapping

Because the size and shape of each brain is unique, it is difficult for neurologists to directly compare them. So in the new study, researchers used a computer program to help them align and correlate the regions. The program was able to correctly identify the regions 96.6 percent of the time when tested on 210 subjects.

Key Findings

The new map revealed several interesting findings, including:

Area 55b, which is involved with language processing, is split into two sections in 12% of the population.
A large area near the front of the brain that was previously thought to be one region is actually a dozen smaller brain areas.

Significance

The new brain map is a significant step forward in our understanding of the human brain. It could aid research on a variety of conditions, including autism, schizophrenia, dementia, and epilepsy. By providing scientists with a detailed template of a healthy brain, the map can help them to better understand how these conditions affect the brain.

Future Directions

The researchers emphasize that the new map is still a work in progress. They plan to continue refining the map as new data becomes available. They also hope that other researchers will use the map to further our understanding of the human brain.

Additional Information

The researchers published 200 extra pages of material online so that other researchers can pick through and refine their work. They encourage other scientists to use the map to help advance the field of neuroscience.

Jasmine

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