Central core of the cerebrum.

OBJECT: The purpose of this study was to understand 3D relationships of white matter fibers and subcortical areas of gray matter in the central core.

METHODS: The lateral and medial aspects of 4 cerebral hemispheres were dissected, applying the fiber dissection technique under the microscope.

RESULTS: The central core between the insula and midline includes the extreme, external, and internal capsules; claustrum; putamen; globus pallidus; caudate nucleus; amygdala; diencephalon; substantia innominata; fornix; anterior commissure; mammillothalamic tract; fasciculus retroflexus; thalamic peduncles, including optic and auditory radiations; ansa peduncularis; thalamic fasciculus; and lenticular fasciculus. It is attached to the remainder of the cerebral hemisphere by the cerebral isthmus, which is composed of white matter fibers located between the dorsolateral margin of the caudate nucleus and the full circumference of the circular sulcus of insula. The rostral fibers of the corpus callosum are included in the frontal portion of the cerebral isthmus.

CONCLUSIONS: It is very useful for neurosurgeons to facilitate the understanding of spatial relationships and pertinent surgical approaches in and around the central core with a highly complex anatomy by using fiber dissection.