Imaging connectivity: MRI and the structural networks of the brain

Funct Neurol. 2013 Jul-Sep;28(3):197-203.

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a flexible and widely available neuroimaging technique. Structural MRI and diffusion MRI, in particular, provide information about connectivity between brain regions which may be combined to obtain a picture of entire neural networks, or the so-called connectome. In this review we outline the principles of MR-based connectivity analysis, discuss what relevant information it can provide for clinical and non-clinical neuroscience research, and outline some of the outstanding needs which future work will aim to meet.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Chemistry
  • Cerebral Cortex / anatomy & histology
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Nerve Net / anatomy & histology*
  • Nerve Net / physiology
  • Neural Pathways / anatomy & histology*
  • Neural Pathways / physiology