Three-Dimensional Micro Structure of the Cingulum Bundle: A Fiber Dissection Study

Abstract

Objective: Cingulum bundle is a major fiber tract that extends into the cingulate gyrus and reaches to the temporal tip. It carries striatal, projection, association and commissural fibers. Therefore, it has an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of many psychiatric and neurological diseases. Our aim

to describe the structure of the cingulum fiber, to reveal its neighborhood and connections and to find an anatomical-functional classification that clinicians can use. Method: Ten human cadaver brains were prepared by using the Klingler method. In all brains, medial to lateral, inferior to superior, and superior to inferior dissection were performed. Dissection was performed under microscopic magnification. All dissection stages were visualized with the camera. Results: Singulum fiber is a long and major fiber of the brain that is approximately 9-10 cm. It starts from the orbitofrontal cortex and extends on the corpus callosum. It turns to the lateral and inferior on the splenium level. And it reaches the temporal pole. It divides into 5 segments. These are subgenual, anterior cingulate, mid-cingulate, retrosplenial and parahippocampal cingulum segments. Each segment has different projections. Conclusions: The functional and anatomical relationships and segments of the cingulum bundle will guide the diagnosis and treatment of some psychiatric and neurological diseases.