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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Visualization of Cortical Modules in Flattened Mammalian Cortices
Published on: January 22, 2018
Connection patterns distinguish 3 regions of human parietal cortex
M F S Rushworth1, T E J Behrens, H Johansen-Berg
1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, and Centre for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain, Department of Clinical Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX1 3UD, UK. matthew.rushworth@psy.ox.ac.uk
Researchers mapped brain connections in macaques to identify similar areas in the human parietal cortex. This study used diffusion imaging to reveal anatomical connections, aiding in understanding human brain function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Comparative Anatomy
- Brain Connectivity
Background:
- The macaque inferior parietal lobule and lateral intraparietal sulcus (IPS) exhibit distinct connectivity patterns.
- These patterns involve connections with the superior colliculus, parahippocampal gyrus, and ventral premotor cortex.
- Subcortical pathways of these connections are well-documented in macaques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if macaque parietal cortex connectivity can identify homologous regions in the human brain.
- To utilize diffusion-weighted imaging and probabilistic tractography for mapping human brain connections.
- To compare both connection terminations and pathways between macaque and human parietal areas.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and probabilistic tractography were employed.
- Connectivity patterns of macaque parietal regions were analyzed.
- Human parietal areas were identified based on similarity to macaque connection profiles.
Main Results:
- Medial IPS showed strong connectivity with the superior colliculus, mirroring macaque pathways.
- Posterior angular and superior occipital gyri connected strongly with the parahippocampal gyrus, resembling the inferior longitudinal fascicle.
- Ventral premotor cortex connected with the supramarginal gyrus and anterior IPS via the superior longitudinal fascicle.
Conclusions:
- Human parietal areas exhibit anatomical connections similar to functionally related macaque areas.
- Connectivity mapping provides a method for identifying homologous brain regions across species.
- This research advances our understanding of parietal lobe organization and evolution.
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