Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging for Brainnetome: a critical review

Neurosci Bull. 2012 Aug;28(4):375-88. doi: 10.1007/s12264-012-1245-3.

Abstract

Increasing evidence shows that the human brain is a highly self-organized system that shows attributes of small-worldness, hierarchy and modularity. The "connectome" was conceived several years ago to identify the underpinning physical connectivities of brain networks. The need for an integration of multi-spatial and -temporal approaches is becoming apparent. Therefore, the "Brainnetome" (brain-net-ome) project was proposed. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) is a non-invasive way to study the anatomy of brain networks. Here, we review the principles of dMRI, its methodologies, and some of its clinical applications for the Brainnetome. Future research in this field is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / anatomy & histology*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain Mapping / methods
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Nerve Net / anatomy & histology*