Mapping the structural core of human cerebral cortex
2008

Mapping the Structural Core of Human Cerebral Cortex

Sample size: 5 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Hagmann Patric, Cammoun Leila, Gigandet Xavier, Meuli Reto, Honey Christopher J, Wedeen Van J, Sporns Olaf

Primary Institution: University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland

Hypothesis

The study investigates the structural connectivity of the human cerebral cortex and its relationship to functional connectivity.

Conclusion

The study identifies a structural core in the human brain composed of densely interconnected regions that play a central role in integrating information across different brain areas.

Supporting Evidence

  • High-resolution connection matrices revealed a structural core within the posterior medial and parietal cortex.
  • Structural connectivity patterns were significantly correlated with resting-state functional connectivity.
  • Key regions of the structural core include the posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus.

Takeaway

The human brain has a special area where many parts are connected, helping different brain regions work together.

Methodology

Diffusion spectrum imaging was used to map cortico-cortical axonal pathways in the human brain, followed by network analysis to identify structural modules.

Limitations

The study may not fully represent smaller fiber tracts and interhemispheric connections due to resolution limits.

Participant Demographics

Five healthy right-handed male volunteers aged between 24 and 32 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<10−10

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pbio.0060159

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