Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026

Translational Brain Mapping at the University of Rochester Medical Center: Preserving the Mind Through Personalized Brain Mapping
Published on: August 12, 2019
Tractography of Association Fibers Associated with Language Processing
1Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 64, 79106, Freiburg, Germany. karl.egger@uniklinik-freiburg.de.
Introduction:
Several major association fiber tracts are known to be part of the language processing system. There is evidence that high angular diffusion-based MRI is able to separate these fascicles in a constant way. In this study, we wanted to proof this thesis using a novel whole brain "global tracking" approach and to test for possible lateralization.
Methods:
Global tracking was performed in six healthy right-handed volunteers for the arcuate fascicle (AF), the medial longitudinal fascicle (MdLF), the inferior fronto-occipital fascicle (IFOF), and the inferior longitudinal fascicle (ILF). These fiber tracts were characterized quantitatively using the number of streamlines (SL) and the mean fractional anisotropy (FA).
Results:
We were able to characterize the AF, the MdLF, the IFOF, and the ILF consistently in six healthy volunteers using global tracking. A left-sided dominance (LI > 0.2) for the AF was found in all participants. The MdLF showed a left-sided dominance in four participants (one female, three male). Regarding the FA, no lateralization (LI > 0.2) could be shown in any of the fascicles.
Conclusion:
Using a novel global tracking algorithm we confirmed that the courses of the primary language processing associated fascicles can consistently be differentiated. Additionally we were able to show a streamline-based left-sided lateralization in the AF of all right-handed healthy subjects.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
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,...
Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...
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....
Language and Cognition
Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy
Gray Matter and its Components
Central to the gray matter is...
Lateralization

