An open access mouse brain flatmap and upgraded rat and human brain flatmaps based on current reference atlases.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Comparative neuroanatomy
• Brain mapping

Background:

• Standardized brain atlases are crucial for neuroscience research.
• Existing atlases may lack detailed comparative representations across species.
• Computational tools are needed for analyzing complex brain data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present enhanced flatmaps of the mouse, rat, and human central nervous system (CNS).
• To facilitate comparative analysis of brain structures and development.
• To provide a resource amenable to computational applications in neuroscience.

Main Methods:

• Development of layered, diagrammatic flatmaps for adult mouse and rat brains based on established atlases (Allen Reference Atlas, BM4).
• Creation of enhanced representations for white matter tracts, ganglia, and nerves.
• Generation of developmental series flatmaps for the rat brain.

Main Results:

• Provided enhanced flatmaps for adult mouse, rat, and human brains, scaled equally for comparative analysis.
• Included cerebral cortex atlas level contours and regional parcellation comparisons.
• Demonstrated adaptability for novel parcellations and potential for web-based analysis platforms.

Conclusions:

• The developed brain flatmaps serve as a broadly applicable neuroscience toolbox.
• Open access vector graphics and tables encourage mapping and comparative analysis of brain data.
• The resource supports computational neuroscience and the development of data analysis platforms.