Department of Neurology, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchionini Str. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, IFB-LMU, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchionini Str. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; Corresponding author at: Department of Neurology, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
Virginia L. Flanagin
Department of Neurology, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchionini Str. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, IFB-LMU, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchionini Str. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Department of Biology II and Neurobiology, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82151 Planegg-Martinsried, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
Leoni Ophey
German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, IFB-LMU, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchionini Str. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
Theresa Marie Raiser
Department of Neurology, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchionini Str. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, IFB-LMU, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchionini Str. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
Katharina Seiderer
German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, IFB-LMU, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchionini Str. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
Matthias Ertl
Institute of Psychology and Inselspital, Fabrikstrasse 8, 3012 Bern, University of Bern, Switzerland
Julian Conrad
Department of Neurology, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchionini Str. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, IFB-LMU, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchionini Str. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; Department of Neurology, Theodor-Kutze Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany
Peter zu Eulenburg
German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, IFB-LMU, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchionini Str. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Department of Biology II and Neurobiology, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82151 Planegg-Martinsried, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany; Institute for Neuroradiology, University Hospital Munich, Marchionini Str. 15, 81377 Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
All volitional movement in a three-dimensional space requires multisensory integration, in particular of visual and vestibular signals. Where and how the human brain processes and integrates self-motion signals remains enigmatic. Here, we applied visual and vestibular self-motion stimulation using fast and precise whole-brain neuroimaging to delineate and characterize the entire cortical and subcortical egomotion network in a substantial cohort (n=131). Our results identify a core egomotion network consisting of areas in the cingulate sulcus (CSv, PcM/pCi), the cerebellum (uvula), and the temporo-parietal cortex including area VPS and an unnamed region in the supramarginal gyrus. Based on its cerebral connectivity pattern and anatomical localization, we propose that this region represents the human homologue of macaque area 7a. Whole-brain connectivity and gradient analyses imply an essential role of the connections between the cingulate sulcus and the cerebellar uvula in egomotion perception. This could be via feedback loops involved updating visuo-spatial and vestibular information. The unique functional connectivity patterns of PcM/pCi hint at central role in multisensory integration essential for the perception of self-referential spatial awareness. All cortical egomotion hubs showed modular functional connectivity with other visual, vestibular, somatosensory and higher order motor areas, underlining their mutual function in general sensorimotor integration.
