Final answer:
The neuroscientist known for linking brain areas to specific functions is Paul Broca, who discovered the language-related function of Broca's area in the brain. Other notable work in this field includes Korbinian Brodmann's categorization of the cerebral cortex into distinct regions based on their structure and function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which pioneering neuroscientist is known for linking specific brain areas to their corresponding functions?
The pioneering neuroscientist known for linking specific brain areas to their corresponding functions in the brain is Paul Broca. French physician Pierre Paul Broca made crucial discoveries about how the brain controls motor functions, particularly language. His work with a patient known as Leborgne led to the identification of an area in the left frontal lobe, later known as Broca's area, which is critical for speech production. This discovery supported the concept of localization of function, where specific parts of the brain are responsible for particular functions.
In addition to Paul Broca's contributions, the work of Korbinian Brodmann also significantly advanced our understanding of brain functions. Brodmann conducted extensive research on the microscopic anatomy of the cerebral cortex and categorized the cortex into 52 regions, known as Brodmann's areas, based on their cytoarchitecture. These areas correlate well with the various functions of the cortex, further supporting the localization of function in the brain.
On the other hand, Abraham Maslow is most well-known for proposing his hierarchy of needs, which is unrelated to neuroscientific discoveries about brain functions but pertains to human motivational psychology. Therefore, the correct answer to the initial question is c. Paul Broca.