Connectionists: Frontiers Special Issue: "Mapping Connectivity of the Human Cerebral Cortex"

[Daniel Margulies]

Mapping Connectivity of the Human Cerebral Cortex
Special Issue of Frontiers in Neuroanatomy

Recent advances in non-invasive connectivity mapping techniques, such
as diffusion MRI and resting state functional connectivity, have
resulted in a resurgence of interest in the investigation of the
connectivity of the human cerebral cortex. The connectivity of the
various cerebral cortical areas, which is only beginning to be studied
in humans, has been examined in detail in the macaque monkey during
the last 50 years using experimental anatomical anterograde and
retrograde tracer techniques. These techniques provide exquisite
detail of the origin, course and termination of axons from one
cortical area to another. This experimental research, therefore,
provides specific hypotheses to be tested in the human with new
emerging non-invasive connectivity mapping methods, as well as a
framework within which to interpret findings in the human. The human
cerebral cortex poses substantial challenges because its topology is
very variable and its detailed organization not very well known.
Connectivity can be used to map the boundaries of anatomical
subregions within large-scale systems, and holds promise as a powerful
resource for defining homotopic areas across brains and between
hemispheres. Nonetheless, it is worthwhile to consider the limitations
inherent in these methodologies so that the limits of the conclusions
drawn can be fully appreciated. We aim to bring together articles
critically addressing connectivity-mapping techniques, such as
diffusion tensor imaging-based tractography and resting-state
functional connectivity, in the specific context of anatomical
investigation. In order to make fruitful contributions to the study of
neuroanatomy, the application of these techniques requires special
consideration. Each technique comes with unique strengths and
weaknesses, bounding the interpretation of results. For instance, what
is the relationship between various measures of functional
connectivity and axonal connections? And what is the appropriate scale
of subdivision? Given recent developments, it is appropriate to review
achievements thus far, ongoing prospects, and future limitations as
applied to the complex anatomy of the cerebral cortex.

Hosted by: Michael Petrides, Daniel Margulies
Deadline for abstract submission: 23 Jan 2012
Deadline for full article submission: 31 Mar 2012
website: http://www.frontiersin.org/neuroanatomy/researchtopics/mapping_connectivity_of_the_hu/476