In a paper published online today in Cell, researchers say their new technique will allow them to map
anatomical connections between the brain and body in unprecedented detail.
A third scan, using a technique called diffusion tensor imaging,
revealed anatomical connections that are made of nerve fibers and link the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex, acting like neurological highways for information between the two.
How is it that riskier individuals have
fewer anatomical connections linking the amygdala to the medial prefrontal cortex, but more apparent cooperation between these regions?
In addition, they used optical techniques to trace
the anatomical connections between the neurons throughout the region.
Nevertheless,
the anatomical connection between the bones was not affected, confirming the original observations made over a century ago by their discoverers, that the La Ferrassie 1 individual was deliberately buried by other members of their social group.
Mapping
these anatomical connections with techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging (shown here) is a major goal of Japan's new Brain / MINDS project.
The present data demonstrate
an anatomical connection between the retina and Cluster N through the thalamus.
The same study revealed differences in
the anatomical connection patterns between the left and right hemisphere.