  The parcellation of the primate cerebral cortex into numbered regions, based
on cytoarchitecture, began with the pioneering research of neuroanatomist
Kobrinian Brodmann. While the borders between regions have changed somewhat,
and in some cases continue to be disputed, the idea of dividing the cortex into
distinct numbered areas has become central to the goal of understanding brain
function. And indeed, areal maps do provide a good starting point for
functional parcellation. It is obvious, for example, that visual area V1 has a
different function than primary motor cortex. However, as with anything good,
one can take things too far. Indeed, cortical areas, while useful, have several
pernicious side effects for neuroscientists interested in function, especially
in prefrontal cortex.
