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Updated: Apr 28, 2026
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Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging
Published on: November 8, 2012
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Connectivity-based parcellation of the human frontal polar cortex
Massieh Moayedi1, Tim V Salomons, Katharine A M Dunlop
1Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada.
Brain Structure & Function
|June 15, 2014
Summary
The frontal pole (Brodmann area 10) has two distinct subregions. These areas show different functional connectivity patterns, linking to self-related thought and executive functions, respectively.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroanatomy
Background:
- The frontal pole (Brodmann area 10) is a large region in the human frontal lobe.
- Its functional and structural heterogeneity is debated, with previous studies suggesting 2-3 subregions.
- These subregions are hypothesized to support functions like multitasking, social cognition, attention, and memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural and functional subregions of the frontal pole (Brodmann area 10) using diffusion tensor imaging.
- To determine the correspondence between structurally defined subregions and known functional networks.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to assess structural connectivity of Brodmann area 10 in 35 healthy subjects.
- Subregions were delineated based on structural connectivity patterns.
- Resting-state functional connectivity was analyzed for the identified subregions.
Main Results:
- A consistent two-subregion parcellation (medial and lateral) of the frontal pole was identified across subjects.
- The medial subregion exhibited functional connectivity with the default-mode network (involved in self-related thought and social cognition).
- The lateral subregion showed functional connectivity with the executive control network (associated with attention and working memory).
Conclusions:
- The frontal pole is anatomically divisible into at least two major subregions.
- These subregions display distinct functional connectivity profiles, supporting specialized cognitive functions.
- Findings support a model of functional specialization within the frontal pole based on anatomical connectivity.
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