Abstract

The fascinating convolutions of the human brain are believed to be caused by mechanical forces generated in the rapid expansion of the cortex with respect to the subcortical areas of the brain. These intricate folded shapes have fascinated generations of scientists and mathematicians and have, so far, defied a complete description. How do they emerge? How are they arranged? How is the brain shape related to its function? In this talk, I will review our current understanding of brain morphogenesis and how it can be modelled. In particular, I will discuss an ideal version of this problem that can be solved exactly, underlying the beautiful interplay between (differential) geometry and mechanics in the shaping of our most intricate organ.