Functional Brain Anatomy

Abstract

Knowledge of functional neuroanatomy is essential to design the most appropriate clinical functional MR imaging (fMR imaging) paradigms and to properly interpret fMR imaging study results. The correlation between neuroanatomy and brain function is also useful in general radiologic practice, as it improves the radiologist's ability to read routine brain examinations. Functional MR imaging is used primarily to determine the areas involved in functioning of movements, speech, and vision. Preoperative fMR imaging findings also play a key role in the neurosurgeon's decision to perform a biopsy, a subtotal resection, or a maximal resection using awake craniotomy.

Keywords: Broca's area; Eloquent cortex; Primary motor cortex; Supplementary motor area (SMA); Wernicke's area; fMR imaging.