Basic principles of neuroimaging methods as applied to human subjects research and introduce the neuroscience concepts and terminology necessary for a basic understanding of neuroimaging applications. Topics include the history of neuroimaging, an introduction to neuroimaging physics and image form...
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Neuroscience for Neuroimaging
Course Notes + Discussion Posts
Neuroimaging techniques have grown in prevalence and power over the last few decades,
leading to scientific innovation through giving researchers a precise lens into the brain.
Neuroscience is the multi-disciplinary study of the biological basis of behaviour and the nervous
system. Neuroimaging are collections of imaging techniques and approaches meant to image the
functional, structural, and chemical (physiological) properties of the brain.
Neuroscience disciplines: methodological
neuroanatomy
neurochemistry
neurophysiology
neuropsychology
Neuroscience branches: content-based
molecular neuroscience
cognitive neuroscience
clinical neuroscience
Neuroscience for Neuroimaging 1
, computational neuroscience
developmental neuroscience
Module 1.1 Structure and Anatomy
Neurons form the fundamental processing units for the brain. They are diversified
functionally and structurally based on type, property, shape, or function.
The cell body (soma) contains specialized organelles that provide energy and synthesize
proteins that facilitate generation and propagation of electrical signals and
neurotransmitters.
The dendrites receive electrochemical information. Dendritic properties such as
dendritic spines (post-synaptic sites) form the basis of human learning. In the brain, the
biological basis of learning and memory can be partly attributed to dendritic spines;
learning is based on the change in the response strength of spines and the creation of
new ones).
Glia form the majority of nervous system cells. They form connective tissue, serve
metabolic support for neurons, produce myelin, and removes waste.
Groupings of structurally similar neurons are organized spatially to form the basis of
function. Brain organization can be cytoarchitectural (structural organized based on cellular
composition, proposed by Korbian Broadmann in 1909). Broadmann areas are commonly
used to report neuroimaging findings.
Broadmann areas apply to animal models too, allowing for cross-species brain
organization comparison and translational research.
Neuroscience for Neuroimaging 2
, Dissociable brain networks is another form of organization in the brain. Groups of structures
form brain networks through communication lines. Highly interconnected structures that
form a collective function are referred to as dissociable networks.
Rudimentary anatomical classification is based on broad brain lobes (frontal, parietal,
occipital, temporal, limbic, and insular cortex). Broadly organized structural areas have
common functions associated with them.
Module 1.2 Structure and Anatomy
The brain consumes 20% of the hemodynamic output of the heart, and includes a
sophisticated and highly intricate system of arteries and veins to distribute blood to itself.
Angiograms shows the vasculature of the brain.
Blood to the head is supplied via internal carotid artery, which originates in the aorta.
The Circle of Willis refines the distribution of the blood the brain. Due to the specificity
and organization this supply system, vascular anatomy of the brain can be deduced. It is
important for neuroimaging methods that arteries are highly organized with little
overlap.
Neuroscience for Neuroimaging 3
, Module 1.3 Developmental and Vascular Organization of the Brain
When we observe brains of different species, we notice similar structural organization (e.g.,
hippocampi locations, thalamus, brain stem, cerebellum structure, and corpus callosum).
Brain of mice and humans are basally similar in regards to basic structures fundamental to
life.
The sub-cortical brain structures serving basic life functions are extremely similar,
however, cortical properties differ between animals like humans and cats. The
advantage of these similarities is that it allows translational animal research to have
more credibility.
From a developmental standpoint, brain structures forming in certain patterns,
trajectories, and timings are similar across certain animals.
Module 1.4 Terminology of Brain Organization and Anatomy
Brain nomenclature is important due to its universality and relevance to neuroimaging
interpretation (e.g., areas of activation). The major axis of the body is the rostral(beak)-
caudal(tail) axis. The dorsa(back)-ventral(belly) axis denotes animals vertically. In
Neuroscience for Neuroimaging 4
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