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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
17:06
Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging
Published on: November 8, 2012
[Connectivity between cortex and basal ganglia revealed by the diffusion-weighted imaging]
1Department of Investigative Radiology, Advanced Medical Engineering Center, National Cardiovascular Center, Research Institute.
Rinsho Shinkeigaku = Clinical Neurology
|January 24, 2008
Summary
Diffusion-weighted imaging reveals human brain connectivity. Human cortex-striatum connections closely resemble macaque patterns, with significant input from the dorsal frontal cortex.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
- Brain Connectivity
Context:
- Regional brain function depends on extrinsic connectivity and intrinsic properties.
- Basal ganglia are traditionally linked to motor control, with known cortical connections.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) enables global neuronal fiber tracing in the human brain.
Purpose:
- To investigate human brain connectivity using advanced diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI).
- To compare human basal ganglia connectivity patterns with those observed in macaque monkeys.
- To leverage high-resolution DWI and advanced modeling for accurate, sensitive, and quantitative connection mapping.
Summary:
- DWI utilizes water molecule diffusion in brain tissue, especially white matter, to map neuronal fibers.
- Validation studies comparing DWI with neuronal tracers in macaque brains show consistent connection locations.
- Human cortex-striatum connectivity mirrors macaque patterns, with substantial striatal input from the dorsal frontal cortex, crucial for goal-directed behavior.
Impact:
- High-resolution DWI offers enhanced accuracy for mapping brain connections.
- Findings provide insights into the human basal ganglia's functional network.
- Future studies can elucidate detailed connectivity patterns and pathological changes in neurological diseases.
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