Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Preparation of Parasagittal Slices for the Investigation of Dorsal-ventral Organization of the Rodent Medial Entorhinal Cortex
Published on: March 28, 2012
Functional subregions of the human entorhinal cortex
Anne Maass1, David Berron1, Laura A Libby2
1Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
This study reveals functional divisions within the human entorhinal cortex (EC) using high-resolution fMRI. These divisions mirror anatomical connections, linking specific EC subregions to the perirhinal cortex (PRC) and parahippocampal cortex (PHC).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- The entorhinal cortex (EC) is crucial for neocortical-hippocampal interactions.
- Rodent and primate studies suggest EC subregions connect differentially with perirhinal cortex (PRC), parahippocampal cortex (PHC), and hippocampal subfields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify functional subdivisions within the human EC using high-resolution 7 Tesla functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
- To investigate if these functional subdivisions correlate with known anatomical connectivity patterns.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution fMRI at 7 Tesla was employed on two independent human datasets.
- Intrinsic functional connectivity was analyzed to map EC subdivisions.
Main Results:
- Anterior-lateral EC showed preferential connectivity with the PRC.
- Posterior-medial EC demonstrated preferential connectivity with the PHC.
- These EC subregions exhibited differential connectivity with the subiculum along proximal-distal and anterior-posterior axes.
Conclusions:
- The human EC can be functionally divided into subregions.
- These functional divisions align with established anatomical connectivity in rodents and nonhuman primates.
- This provides evidence for conserved connectivity patterns across species.
Related Concept Videos
Olfaction
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...
Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System
Association Areas of the Cortex
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Cerebrum: Anatomical Overview II
Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex....
Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions

