Changes in connectivity profiles define functionally-distinct regions in human medial frontal cortex

H. Johansen-Berg, T.E.J. Behrens, M.D. Robson, I. Drobnjak, M.F.S. Rushworth, J.M. Brady, S.M. Smith, D.J. Higham, P.M. Matthews

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

559 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A fundamental issue in neuroscience is the relation between structure and function. However, gross landmarks do not correspond well to microstructural borders and cytoarchitecture cannot be visualized in a living brain used for functional studies. Here, we used diffusion-weighted and functional MRI to test structure-function relations directly. Distinct neocortical regions were defined as volumes having similar connectivity profiles and borders identified where connectivity changed. Without using prior information, we found an abrupt profile change where the border between supplementary motor area (SMA) and pre-SMA is expected. Consistent with this anatomical assignment, putative SMA and pre-SMA connected to motor and prefrontal regions, respectively. Excellent spatial correlations were found between volumes defined by using connectivity alone and volumes activated during tasks designed to involve SMA or pre-SMA selectively. This finding demonstrates a strong relationship between structure and function in medial frontal cortex and offers a strategy for testing such correspondences elsewhere in the brain.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)13335-13340
Number of pages5
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Volume101
Issue number26
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2004

Keywords

  • neuroscience
  • cytoarchitecture
  • microstructural borders
  • connectivity profiles
  • brain
  • human brain

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Changes in connectivity profiles define functionally-distinct regions in human medial frontal cortex'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this