Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Detection of Phospholipase C Activity in the Brain Homogenate from the Honeybee
Published on: September 14, 2018
Regional homogeneity of intrinsic brain activity related to the main alexithymia dimensions
Dai Han1,2,3, Mei Li4, Minjun Mei4
1Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.
Background:
Alexithymia is a multidimensional personality construct.
Objective:
This study aims to investigate the neuronal correlates of each alexithymia dimension by examining the regional homogeneity (ReHo) of intrinsic brain activity in a resting situation.
Methods:
From university freshmen, students with alexithymia and non-alexithymia were recruited. Their alexithymic traits were assessed using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20. The ReHo was examined using a resting-state functional MRI approach.
Results:
This study suggests significant group differences in ReHo in multiple brain regions distributed in the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, occipital lobe and insular cortex. However, only the ReHo in the insula was positively associated with difficulty identifying feelings, a main dimension of alexithymia. The ReHo in the lingual gyrus, precentral gyrus and postcentral gyrus was positively associated with difficulty describing feelings in participants with alexithymia. Lastly, the ReHo in the right dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC_R) was negatively related to the externally oriented thinking style of participants with alexithymia.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, these results suggest that the main dimensions of alexithymia are correlated with specific brain regions' function, and the role of the insula, lingual gyrus, precentral gyrus, postcentral gyrus and DMPFC_R in the neuropathology of alexithymia should be further investigated.
Related Concept Videos
Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
Anatomy of the Brain: Major Regions
The cerebrum is the largest section of the brain and divides into left and right hemispheres, separated by a deep fissure. The cerebral outer layer of grey matter — the cerebral cortex — comprises elevations called gyri and shallow groves called sulci. The inner portion of white matter includes long nerve fibers known as axons, which connect...
Test for Homogeneity
Support Reactions in Three Dimensions
Ball and Socket Joint is one of the supports allowing free rotation about any axis. This freedom of rotation is...
Relative Velocity in One Dimension

