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Connectivity-Based Parcellation of Broca's Area
A Anwander1, M Tittgemeyer, D Y von Cramon
1Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.
Cerebral Cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991)
|May 19, 2006
Summary
This study uses diffusion-weighted MR imaging and tractography to map connectivity in Broca's area. It reveals three distinct subregions, offering a novel noninvasive method for in vivo brain analysis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neuroanatomy
- Brain Connectivity
Background:
- The cerebral cortex is functionally and structurally segregated into distinct areas.
- Traditional methods for subdividing Broca's area include cytoarchitecture and neuroreceptor distribution.
- Anatomical connectivity is crucial for brain function and offers a criterion for cortical area segregation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To parcellate Broca's area using anatomical connectivity as a criterion.
- To apply diffusion-weighted MR imaging and probabilistic tractography for in vivo analysis.
- To identify distinct subregions within Broca's area based on connectivity signatures.
Main Methods:
- Utilized diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
- Employed probabilistic tractographic methods to extract connectivity signatures.
- Applied automatic clustering based on correlation of connectivity signatures to parcellate Broca's area.
Main Results:
- Identified three discernible subregions within Broca's area.
- These subregions correspond to putative Brodmann area (BA) 44, BA45, and the deep frontal operculum.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of in vivo, noninvasive investigation of Broca's area subdivision.
Conclusions:
- Anatomical connectivity is a valid criterion for functio-anatomical segregation of cortical areas.
- Diffusion-weighted MR imaging and tractography enable novel in vivo parcellation of brain regions.
- This technique provides a unique, noninvasive method to study the anatomical subdivision of Broca's area in individuals.