Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
Exploring Deep Space - Uncovering the Anatomy of Periventricular Structures to Reveal the Lateral Ventricles of the Human Brain
Published on: October 22, 2017
Anatomic Connections of the Subgenual Cingulate Region
Francesco Vergani1, Juan Martino, Christopher Morris
1*Department of Neurosurgery, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom; ‡Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom; §Department of Neurological Surgery, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Cantabria, Spain; ¶Natbrainlab, Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
Background:
The subgenual cingulate gyrus (SCG) has been proposed as a target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in neuropsychiatric disorders, mainly major depression. Despite promising clinical results, the mechanism of action of DBS in this region is poorly understood. Knowledge of the connections of the SCG can elucidate the network involved by DBS in this area and can help refine the targeting for DBS electrode placement.
Objective:
To investigate the anatomic connections of the SCG region.
Methods:
An anatomic study of the connections of the SCG was performed on postmortem specimens and in vivo with MR diffusion imaging tractography. Postmortem dissections were performed according to the Klingler technique. Specimens were fixed in 10% formalin and frozen at -15°C for 2 weeks. After thawing, dissection was performed with blunt dissectors. Whole brain tractography was performed using spherical deconvolution tractography.
Results:
Four main connections were found: (1) fibers of the cingulum, originating at the level of the SCG and terminating at the medial aspect of the temporal lobe (parahippocampal gyrus); (2) fibers running toward the base of the frontal lobe, connecting the SCG with frontopolar areas; (3) fibers running more laterally, converging onto the ventral striatum (nucleus accumbens); (4) fibers of the uncinate fasciculus, connecting the orbitofrontal with the anterior temporal region.
Conclusion:
The SCG shows a wide range of white matter connections with limbic, prefrontal, and mesiotemporal areas. These findings can help to explain the role of the SCG in DBS for psychiatric disorders.
Abbreviations:
DBS, deep brain stimulationSCG, subgenual cingulate gyrus.
More Related Videos
16:23Fiber Connections of the Supplementary Motor Area Revisited: Methodology of Fiber Dissection, DTI, and Three Dimensional Documentation
Published on: May 23, 2017
08:43Application of Granger Causality Analysis of the Directed Functional Connection in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: August 7, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:15Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System
01:11Cerebrum: Anatomical Overview II
01:17Cerebellum: Anatomical Regions
Cerebellar Structure
Externally, the cerebellum features a highly convoluted surface with numerous folia (narrow ridges) separated by shallow sulci (grooves). The cerebellum is divided into two hemispheres by a thin median structure known as the vermis. The...
01:21Association 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,...
01:30Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions
01:23Diencephalon: Hypothalamus and Coordination
The hypothalamus interacts with other brain regions, including the pituitary gland, through a direct physical connection called the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The hypothalamus receives somatic and visceral inputs and...