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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging
Published on: November 8, 2012
What do we know about the Vertical Occipital Fasciculus? A systematic review
Galateia Stefanidou1, Pavlos Christoglou2, Evangelos Kogias2
1Department of Neurosurgery, AHEPA University Hospital, Kiriakidi 1, 54636, Thessaloniki, Greece. gstefang@auth.gr.
The Vertical Occipital Fasciculus (VOF) is a key white matter tract linking visual processing areas. Research confirms its role in visual integration and cognition, with implications for neurological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroanatomy
- Neuroimaging
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- The Vertical Occipital Fasciculus (VOF) connects dorsal and ventral visual cortices.
- Historically overlooked, the VOF has gained recent attention with advanced neuroimaging techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing research on the VOF.
- To synthesize evidence regarding its anatomy, function, and clinical relevance.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of diffusion imaging studies.
- Analysis of white matter microdissection findings.
- Synthesis of functional neuroimaging evidence.
Main Results:
- The VOF is confirmed as a distinct association pathway integrating visual information.
- It plays a role in spatial, attentional, object recognition, reading, and visuospatial cognition.
- Alterations in VOF are linked to neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Conclusions:
- The VOF is a critical component of the human visual connectome.
- Its study offers insights into visual processing, brain organization, and disease.
- Further research is needed to resolve controversies regarding its precise boundaries.
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