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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
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Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging
Published on: November 8, 2012
Triangulating a cognitive control network using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional
Adam R Aron1, Tim E Behrens, Steve Smith
1Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA. adamaron@ucsd.edu
Summary
The right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) and subthalamic nucleus (STN) connect via a novel pathway, forming a network with the presupplementary motor area (preSMA) to control response inhibition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Stopping motor responses is crucial for behavior and relies on specific brain regions.
- The right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) and subthalamic nucleus (STN) are implicated in response inhibition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anatomical and functional connections between the IFC, STN, and presupplementary motor area (preSMA).
- To test the hypothesis that the preSMA plays a role in conflict detection within this network.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) tractography was used to map white matter connections.
- A novel "triangulation" analysis was employed to identify network pathways.
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with a conditional stop-signal paradigm examined brain activity during conflict.
Main Results:
- DWI tractography revealed a direct white matter tract connecting the IFC and STN, termed the "hyperdirect" pathway.
- Both IFC and STN were found to connect with the preSMA.
- fMRI showed significant activation in the preSMA, IFC, and STN during conflict-induced slowing, correlating with behavioral measures.
Conclusions:
- A three-way functional-anatomical network involving the right preSMA, IFC, and STN has been identified.
- This network is involved in both braking and completely stopping motor responses.
- Tractography and fMRI can be combined to reveal and verify neural pathways and networks.
