Microsurgical anatomy of white matter fiber tracts and important structures of the temporal lobe

Abstract

Objective To investigate the microsurgical anatomy of white matter fiber tracts and the important structures of the temporal lobe,and analyze its functional and clinical implications.Methods Ten formalin (100 g/L)-fixed human brain hemispheres were dissected using the Klingler fiber dissection technique,with the aid of an operating microscope at 4-25 magnification; the microsurgical anatomy of white matter fiber tracts and the important structures of the temporal lobe was observed.Results In the temporal lobe,a large number of complex white matter fiber tracts were noted locating lateral to the lateral wall of the temporal horn of lateral ventricle and superior to the roof wall.The vertical segment of the superior longitudinal fasciculus,occipitotemporopontine tract,inferior occipitofrontal fascicle,anterior and middle tracts of the optic radiation were located from lateral to the lateral wall of the temporal hom in turn; claustro-opercular and zinsulo-opercular fibers of the external and extreme capsules,auditory radiations,uncinate fasciculus,part of occipitotemporopontine tract,part of inferior occipitofrontal fascicle,anterior commissure,anterior and middle tracts of the optic radiation(including Meyer's loop),the ansa peduncularis and the stria terminalis were located from superior to inferior to the lateral wall of the temporal horn in turn.The lateral wall of the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle was composed of corpus callosum radiation,whose roof wall composed of the tail of caudate nucleus.Furthermore,amygdala composed of the anterior,tip and medial wall of the temporal horn,and the hippocampus constituted the medial wall of the temporal horn.The cerebral foot loop was an important medial structure of the temporal horn.Conclusion It's important in the clinical diagnosis and treatment to improve the knowledge and understanding of white matter fiber tracts and important structures of the temporal lobe. Key words: Temporal lobe; White matter; Temporal stem; Surgery