In this installment of the Donders Beauty of the Brain Series, we spotlight a fascinating view of the brain’s inner workings, shifting the focus from individual regions to the intricate connections between them.

This vibrant image showcases the brain’s complex web of connections, with red, orange, and yellow fibers representing white matter pathways. These pathways act as communication highways between regions of grey matter, which handle tasks like thinking, memory, and decision-making. The colors (red, orange, yellow) in the image reflect the diameter of the interhemispheric axons—the larger the axonal diameter, the faster the speed of conduction between brain regions. White matter’s role is crucial in ensuring that different brain regions work together smoothly, allowing for the orchestration of complex behaviors and cognitive functions.

As detailed in the research by @stephforkel and Michel Thiebaut de Schotten, these networks of connections are key to brain function, not just isolated regions working alone. Their model helps explain how individual brain differences shape our unique abilities and behaviors. Furthermore, the model clarifies how conditions like stroke or injury disrupt communication between regions, leading to cognitive challenges. By mapping these pathways, researchers can better predict recovery outcomes and develop more targeted treatments for neurological diseases.

For more details on this research, read the full publication here.

Image and research courtesy of Stephanie J. Forkel and Michel Thiebaut de Schotten

#Neuroscience #BrainConnectivity

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