Morphometric Study of the Internal Globus Pallidus Using the Robert, Barnard, and Brown Staining Method

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Neuroanatomy
• Functional Neurosurgery

Background:

• The globus pallidus internus (Gpi) is a critical target in functional neurosurgery.
• Accurate anatomical understanding of the Gpi is essential for successful surgical outcomes.
• This study aimed to detail Gpi coordinates and relationships with adjacent brain structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the anatomical coordinates of the globus pallidus internus (Gpi).
• To analyze the Gpi's spatial relationship with surrounding brain structures.
• To compare these anatomical findings with existing literature.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 60 Gpi nuclei from 35 human brain specimens.
• Utilized the Robert, Barnard, and Brown staining technique.
• Measured distances from the Gpi barycenter to reference points and trajectories.

Main Results:

• The Gpi barycenter is located near the mammillary bodies, 1 cm above the intercommissural plane.
• Mean distances to the third ventricle wall and midline were 15.62 ± 2.66 mm and 17.02 ± 2.69 mm, respectively.
• Distances to optic tract, internal/external capsules, and insular cortex were 4.74 ± 1.12 mm, 2.51 ± 0.8 mm/13.56 ± 2 mm, and 21.3 ± 2.44 mm.

Conclusions:

• The Gpi exhibits minimal distance variability to adjacent structures like the optic tract and internal capsule.
• Greater variability was observed for more distant anatomical locations.
• These findings support the development of novel therapeutic strategies and further volumetric research.