NTU Undergraduates' research April 2014 - Biosciences | Page 67

Imaging modular structure in temporal
cortex
Marilena Stylianou

Abstract
The temporal cortex is part of the cerebrum; which is divided into right and left hemisphere.
Temporal cortex is responsible for hand, eye and mouth movement and memory. The
modularity of the brain and specifically of temporal cortex is being studied with imaging
analysis in order to identify and understand it. These modular structures within the brain form
biological networks. In order to identify and study possible modular structures within the
brain; mouse brain has been sectioned and stained with thionine. This procedure resulted to
the observation of the samples under the microscope in order to obtain pictures which have
been further analysed. Grey level index will be applied to these pictures in order to later on be
analysed with mathworks matlab software; applying red, green, blue matrix (RGB matrix) in
contemplation of identifying possible modular structures within the results taken. In case of
this experiment; modular structures were visible within entorhinal cortex, piriform cortex and
perirhinal cortex. These results have been compared with previous researches and in
conclusion there are still many unknown aspects of brain and its modularity. Further research
is necessary in order to fully understand and locate modular structures within the brain and
specifically temporal cortex.
Keywords: temporal cortex, grey level index, modular structure, imaging analysis, piriform
cortex, perirhinal cortex, entorhinal cortex