Abstract
To understand the connectivity of cerebral cor-tex, especially the spatial and temporal pattern of movement, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during subjects performing finger key presses was used to extract functional networks and then investigated their character-istics. Motor cortex networks were constructed with activation areas obtained with statistical analysis as vertexes and correlation coefficients of fMRI time series as linking strength. The equivalent non-motor cortex networks were constructed with certain distance rules. The graphic and dynamical measures of motor cor-tex networks and non-motor cortex networks were calculated, which shows the motor cortex networks are more compact, having higher sta-tistical independence and integration than the non-motor cortex networks. It indicates the motor cortex networks are more appropriate for information diffusion.
Highlights
Neuroanatomical studies have revealed a large number of connections linking different brain structures
In this paper we present our current research investigating the connectivity of the motor system, the network underlying the generation of movement
We only studied the other subjects in the simple condition and subjects in the complex condition, and constructed a motor cortex network (MCN) and 50 non-MCNs for each of them.Figure 1 is an example of SPM showing bilateral activation of motor cortex of subject 5, in which (a) is the left hand simple condition and (b) is the left hand complex condition
Summary
Neuroanatomical studies have revealed a large number of connections linking different brain structures. There is a wealth of information about the patterning and functional impact of connection pathways linking segregated areas of the cerebral cortex. The cerebral motor cortex which is closely associated with movement is innervated by a number of anatomical and functional connections. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a non-invasive and widely available technique for mapping brain functions. It is based upon the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) effect. As concerns the motor system, the available functional imaging studies indicate a mass activation effect within the hand representation area during finger-tapping or finger-to-thumb opposition tasks in terms of either a stepwise or a linear function between movement rate and hemodynamic response [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
