Multisensory representation of the body in space

Abstract

The space immediately surrounding the body, i.e., peripersonal space (PPS), is represented by multisensory neural mechanisms integrating tactile, auditory and visual stimuli, presented on or close to the body. I will show that these systems in humans are implemented in a (multi)sensory-motor network of brain areas involving the premotor and posterior-parietal cortices. I will show that PPS representation is plastic, as its boundaries adapt as a function of experience: they extend after that a tool is used to act upon the far space, they contract in case of amputation, and further accommodate after prosthesis implantation. Finally, I will demonstrate that PPS boundaries are sensitive to the presence of and interaction with others.