Investigating the structural and functional architecture of the medial temporal lobe using advanced imaging

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The medial temporal lobe (MTL) is the part of the brain that is responsible for a number of important day to day processes, such as how we retain information and build memories, how we deal with our emotions, and how we store and use information about other people. The MTL is not single, but composed of multiple structures that communicate with each other and to the rest of the brain. Studies on non-human primates have shown that patterns of communication between various components of the MTL determine how they function. In humans, however, there is not much known about the fine anatomy of the MTL nor its wiring.****Recent developments in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) hardware offer new opportunities to evaluate non-invasively human brain anatomy, wiring and function with unprecedented detail. The goal of this program is to produce a map of the living human MTL using ultra-high resolution images obtained on a scanner that has a magnetic filed of 7Tesla, the most powerful systems currently available within Quebec and across most of North America. Images acquired on a 7Tesla scanner are far more detailed than those obtained on ordinary scanners. ***The program we propose will provide exceptional training opportunities for the next generation of scientists at leading Canadian universities, and will allow to better understand how we develop memories, deal with emotions and interact with other people. **