Publications

Abstract

This chapter introduces the origins and development of our current anatomical terminology. It scrutinizes the historical evolution and etymological significance of the over 1900 official anatomical terms in the current nomenclature, underscoring their impact on the contemporary comprehension of cognitive neuroanatomy. The chapter traces unification efforts from the Basel Nomina Anatomica in 1895 to the 1998 Terminologia Anatomica, noting challenges arising from outdated terminology in light of recent anatomical advancements.

Highlighting the influence of terminologies on interpretations of brain anatomy, the chapter explores several anatomical mapping methods such as surface, sectional, connectional, and functional anatomy. It illuminates discrepancies and controversies, exemplified by divergent interpretations of the number of brain lobes and the definitions of 'Broca' and 'Wernicke' areas.

The chapter explores anatomical terms' historical and cultural underpinnings, encompassing mythonyms, eponyms, and cultural influences on nomenclature. It critically examines the implications of these terminologies on contemporary research and shows that Large Language Models mirror these discrepancies. It underscores the need for more inclusive and culturally sensitive approaches in anatomical education.

Lastly, we advocate for updating anatomical nomenclature, suggesting that a deeper understanding of these terminologies could provide insights and aid in resolving ongoing debates in the field. This examination sheds light on historical knowledge and emphasizes the dynamic interplay between language, culture, and anatomy in shaping our comprehension of the neurobiology of the brain and how we navigate neuroanatomy in the 21st century.

Abstract

The human brain is an intricate network of cortical regions interconnected by white matter pathways, dynamically supporting cognitive functions. While cortical asymmetries have been consistently reported, the asymmetry of white matter connections remains less explored. This chapter provides a brief overview of asymmetries observed at the cortical, subcortical, cytoarchitectural, and receptor levels before exploring the detailed connectional anatomy of the human brain. It thoroughly examines the lateralization and interindividual variability of 56 distinct white matter tracts, offering a comprehensive review of their structural characteristics and interindividual variability. Additionally, we provide an extensive update on the asymmetry of a wide range of white matter tracts using high-resolution data from the Human Connectome Project (7T HCP www.humanconnectome.org). Future research and advanced quantitative analyses are crucial to understanding fully how asymmetry contributes to interindividual variability. This comprehensive exploration enhances our understanding of white matter organization and its potential implications for brain function.

Abstract

The brain is the most magnificent structure, and we are only at the cusp of unraveling some of its complexity. Neuroanatomy is the best tool to map the brain's structural complexity. As such, neuroanatomy is not just an academic exercise; it serves our fundamental understanding of the neurobiology of cognition and improves clinical practice. A deepened anatomical understanding has advanced our conceptual grasp of the evolution of the brain, interindividual variability of cognition in health and disease, and the conceptual shift toward the emergence of cognition. For the past 20 years, diffusion imaging tractography has dramatically facilitated these advances by enabling the study of the delicate networks that orchestrate brain processes (for review, see Thiebaut de Schotten and Forkel, 2022). Several steps are consistent across all studied populations and brain states (health/disease) when analyzing tractography data. We discuss various considerations for dissections across populations and give practical tips on common pitfalls and features to improve the visualization of the dissections. We briefly discuss specific considerations for manual dissections in nonhuman primates. Lastly, we provide an atlas of regions of interest (ROIs) for the most commonly delineated white matter connections in the human brain.

Abstract

Brain tumors are classified as rare diseases, with an annual occurrence of 300,000 cases and account for an annual loss of 241,000 lives, highlighting their devastating nature. Recent advancements in diagnosis and treatment have significantly improved the management and care of brain tumors. This chapter provides an overview of the common types of primary brain tumors affecting language functions—gliomas and meningiomas. Techniques for identifying and mapping critical language areas, including the white matter language system, such as awake brain tumor surgery and diffusion-weighted tractography, are pivotal for understanding language localization and informing personalized treatment approaches. Numerous studies have demonstrated that gliomas in the dominant hemisphere can lead to (often subtle) impairments across various cognitive domains, with a particular emphasis on language. Recently, increased attention has been directed toward (nonverbal) cognitive deficits in patients with gliomas in the nondominant hemisphere, as well as cognitive outcomes in patients with meningiomas, a group historically overlooked. A patient-tailored approach to language and cognitive functions across the pre-, intra-, and postoperative phases is mandatory for brain tumor patients to preserve quality of life. Continued follow-up studies, in conjunction with advanced imaging techniques, are crucial for understanding the brain's potential for neuroplasticity and optimizing patient outcomes.

Abstract

The nineteenth century witnessed some of the greatest neuroanatomists of all times. Amongst them is the largely forgotten Heinrich Sachs, a student of Carl Wernicke in Breslau.

Abstract

This is the first complete translation of Heinrich Sachs' outstanding white matter atlas dedicated to the occipital lobe. This work is accompanied by a prologue by Prof Carl Wernicke who for many years was Sachs' mentor in Breslau and enthusiastically supported his work.

Abstract

Last year was the 150th anniversary of Paul Broca's landmark case report on speech disorder that paved the way for subsequent studies of cortical localization of higher cognitive functions. However, many complex functions rely on the activity of distributed networks rather than single cortical areas. Hence, it is important to understand how brain regions are linked within large-scale networks and to map lesions onto connecting white matter tracts. To facilitate this network approach we provide a synopsis of classical neurological syndromes associated with frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal and limbic lesions. A review of tractography studies in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders is also included. The synopsis is accompanied by a new atlas of the human white matter connections based on diffusion tensor tractography freely downloadable on http://www.natbrainlab.com. Clinicians can use the maps to accurately identify the tract affected by lesions visible on conventional CT or MRI. The atlas will also assist researchers to interpret their group analysis results. We hope that the synopsis and the atlas by allowing a precise localization of white matter lesions and associated symptoms will facilitate future work on the functional correlates of human neural networks as derived from the study of clinical populations. Our goal is to stimulate clinicians to develop a critical approach to clinico-anatomical correlative studies and broaden their view of clinical anatomy beyond the cortical surface in order to encompass the dysfunction related to connecting pathways.