Microsurgical and Functional Linguistic Anatomy of Cerebral Basal Ganglia

Abstract

Introduction: The central core of the cerebral hemispheres is located on the medial side of the insular cortex. It is made up of basal ganglia and white matter tracts. The basal ganglia and their white matter connections serve important motor, sensorial, psychological, endocrinological and cognitive functions. Insular gliomas and other deeply located lesions can cause severe morbidity by affecting the basal ganglia and their connections. Hence, a thorough understanding of the anatomy of that area is needed for surgical planning on the insular area. Methods: We dissected and photographed the insular cortex and basal ganglia in five human cadavers via white matter dissection techniques from lateral to medial side. Results: The structures and connections of the insular cortex and basal ganglia are documented and presented with their functional correlations during the dissections. Conclusion: Our results will guide the strategy and planning of surgery for the insula and basal ganglia. Additionally, they will be helpful in the follow-up and prediction of morbidities of lesions located in that area.