Structural Connectivity of the Insula

The insular cortex is an extensively connected brain region that has recently gained considerable interest due to its elusive role in several pathological conditions and its involvement in a variety of functions. Structural connectivity studies have identified connections to the frontal, temporal, and parietal cortices, with both a rostro-caudal and a dorso-ventral organizational pattern. The insula is also widely connected to subcortical structures. The use of diffusion-weighted imaging in insular epilepsy has not yet reached its full potential; however, it may still provide some insights into its pathophysiology, assess long-term consequences, and help prevent operative complications. This chapter explores the insula’s structural connectivity and promising applications in the field of insular epilepsy.

Keywords

insula insular cortex connectivity cortical subcortical structural connections tractography diffusion-weighted diffusion tensor neuroanatomy

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Type: Chapter
Information: Insular Epilepsies , pp. 31 - 39
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108772396.005 [Opens in a new window]
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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Chapter 4 - Structural Connectivity of the Insula

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