Where the abstract feature maps of the brain might come from

A new mathematical formulation for such adaptation is presented and it is proposed that such feature maps are learned in a process that involves parallel input to neurons in a brain area and adaptation of neurons in the neighborhood of the cells that respond most strongly to this input.

Abstract

Three types of neuronal organization can be called 'brain maps': sets of feature-sensitive cells, ordered projections between neuronal layers and ordered maps of abstract features. The latter are most intriguing as they reflect the central properties of an organism's experiences and environment. It is proposed that such feature maps are learned in a process that involves parallel input to neurons in a brain area and adaptation of neurons in the neighborhood of the cells that respond most strongly to this input. This article presents a new mathematical formulation for such adaptation and relates it to physiological functions.