Competitive-learning neural networks may be much less familiar to the ANN community than the more straightforward multilayer feedforward networks, or the feedback or state-transfer networks. The literature on competitive learning has also been somewhat esoteric all the time. Nonetheless one should not underestimate its importance, especially since development of many neural functions is only explainable by means of competitive-learning models. On the other hand, the spatially ordered mappings such as the SOM seem to be in a central position in explaining observable physiological brain organizations.