Kamil, Wan Sarah Wan Ahmad
(2022)
Localization of the primary gustatory cortex within insular lobe using structural white matter connectivity evidence as determined by diffusion tensor imaging.
Masters thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The primary taste cortex localisation has been inconsistent in
previous research. The current study aims to divide the insular lobe into subdivisions to
determine investigate their individual structural connectivity to taste processing areas of
the brain.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diffusion-weighted imaging data from thirteen
healthy female participants were obtained from a databse built in 2013. All participants
had normal taste perception as determined by the modified Monell-Jefferson Taste &
Smell Questionnaire. Probabilistic tractography using FMRIB Software Library (FSL)
was performed to determine the relative connection probability of eleven divisions of
insula lobes to target brain areas shown to be associated with taste processing, namely
amygdala, frontal operculum and ventral striatum.
RESULTS: The inferior part of the middle lobe and the inferio-posterior part of the
anterior lobe of the insula had the highest connection probability to the areas of taste
processing targeted in this research. The posterior lobe of the insula had the least
connection probability to all targets as shown in previous research, while the frontal
operculum had widespread connection to all lobes of the insula. The results of this
research are with the statistical value of p<0.05.
CONCLUSION: The inferior aspect of the middle lobe and the inferio-posterior part of
the anterior lobe of the insula had the highest probabilistic connection to the areas of
taste processing making it highly probable to be the site for primary taste cortex.
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