Combining structural and functional neuroimaging data for studying brain connectivity: a review

Psychophysiology. 2008 Mar;45(2):173-87. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8986.2007.00621.x. Epub 2007 Nov 7.

Abstract

Different brain areas are thought to be integrated into large-scale networks to support cognitive function. Recent approaches for investigating structural organization and functional coordination within these networks involve measures of connectivity among brain areas. We review studies combining in vivo structural and functional brain connectivity data, where (a) structural connectivity analysis, mostly based on diffusion tensor imaging is paired with voxel-wise analysis of functional neuroimaging data or (b) the measurement of functional connectivity based on covariance analysis is guided/aided by structural connectivity data. These studies provide insights into the relationships between brain structure and function. Promising trends involve (a) studies where both functional and anatomical connectivity data are collected using high-resolution neuroimaging methods and (b) the development of advanced quantitative models of integration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / anatomy & histology*
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / statistics & numerical data
  • Neural Pathways / anatomy & histology*
  • Neural Pathways / physiology*