Microscopic anatomy and DTI study of lateral white matter fiber tracts in the brain

doi:10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2025.6.01

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Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2025, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (6) : 627-633. DOI: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2025.6.01

Microscopic anatomy and DTI study of lateral white matter fiber tracts in the brain

Yang Shiyong¹, Li Chen², Di Guangfu³, Sun Lean³, Chen Guanggui¹, Jiang Xiaochun³*

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Abstract

Objective To clarify the anatomical structures and functional connectivity characteristics of the white matter fiber tracts in the lateral region of human brain by combining microscopic anatomical techniques and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Methods 10 formalin-fixed adult cadaver heads (20 cerebral hemispheres in total) were selected and By using Klingler fiber dissection technique, the white matter fiber tracts were dissected under 6~40× magnification was employed. A total of 16 healthy adult volunteers underwent cranial DTI examination. The anatomical structures of lateral white matter bundles were observed their trajectories and interrelationships were analyzed. Furthermore, in combination with DTI, I the anatomical architecture and interconnections among lateral brain white matter tracts were further clarified. Results Multiple white matter fiber tracts were identified in the lateral portion of brain. After removing cortical gray matter, the most superficial and widely distributed structures revealed were short “U”-shaped association fibers. Dissecting these U-fibers exposed superficial long association tracts, including arcuate fasciculus, superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) II and III, and frontal aslant tract. Further dissection uncovered middle longitudinal fasciculus and inferior longitudinal fasciculus. Removing insular cortex in layers successively exposed the outermost capsule, claustrum, external capsule (including uncinate fasciculus and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus), putamen, and globus pallidus, finally reaching internal capsule. The anatomical arrangement of each fiber tract was essentially stable. DTI data further verified these structural relationships. Conclusions The combined application of microscopic anatomical methods and DTI research allows for a clearer understanding of the orientations and interrelationships of lateral white matter fiber tracts in brain. These findings provide theoretical support for clinical neurosurgical planning and offer an important foundation for investigations into brain function.

Key words

Lateral hemisphere; / / White matter fiber tracts; / / Microscopic anatomy; / / DTI

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Yang Shiyong, Li Chen, Di Guangfu, Sun Lean, Chen Guanggui, Jiang Xiaochun. Microscopic anatomy and DTI study of lateral white matter fiber tracts in the brain[J]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy. 2025, 43(6): 627-633 https://doi.org/10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2025.6.01

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