Cells in the precentral gyrus directly send signals to the periphery to generate movement and are principally organized as a topological map of the body. We find that movement-induced electrophysiological responses from depth electrodes extend this map three-dimensionally throughout the gyrus. Unexpectedly, this organization is interrupted by a previously undescribed motor association area in the depths of the midlateral aspect of the central sulcus. This ‘Rolandic motor association’ (RMA) area is active during movements of different body parts from both sides of the body and may be important for coordinating complex behaviors.

✓ Cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a disease process for which the lack of effective treatments has plagued neurosurgeons for decades. Historically, successful treatment after SAH in the acute setting was often followed by a rapid, uncontrollable deterioration in the subacute interval. Little was known regarding the nature and progression of this condition until the mid-1800s, when the disease was first described by Gull. Insight into the origin and natural history of cerebral vasospasm came slowly over the next 100 years, until the 1950s. Over the past five decades our understanding of cerebral vasospasm has expanded exponentially. This newly discovered information has been used by neurosurgeons worldwide for successful treatment of complications associated with vasospasm. Nevertheless, although great strides have been made toward elucidating the causes of cerebral vasospasm, a lasting cure continues to elude experts and the disease continues to wreak havoc on patients after aneurysmal SAH.

Cells in the precentral gyrus of the human brain directly send signals to the periphery to generate movement and are topologically organized as a map of the body. We find that movement induced electrophysiological changes from implanted depth electrodes extend this map 3-dimensionally throughout the volume of the gyrus. Unexpectedly, this organization is interrupted by a motor association area in the depths of the central sulcus at its mid-lateral aspect that is active during many different types of movements from both sides of the body.