Neuromorphology is
the study of nervous system form, shape, and structure. The
study involves looking at a particular part of the nervous system
from a molecular and cellular level
and connecting it to a physiological and anatomical point
of view. The field also explores the communications and interactions
within and between each specialized section of the nervous system.
A
variety of techniques have been used to study neuromorphology,
including confocal microscopy, design-based stereology , neuron
tracing and neuron reconstruction. Current innovations and future
research include virtual microscopy, automated stereology, cortical
mapping, map guided automated neuron tracing, microwave techniques,
and network analysis. Of the currently used techniques for studying
neuromorphology, design-based stereology and confocal microscopy are
the two most preferred methods. A complete database of neuronal
morphology called the NeuroMorpho Database also exists.
Design-based stereology is one of the most prominent methods for mathematically extrapolating a 3-D form from a given 2-D form. It is currently the leading technique in biochemical for analyzing 3-D structures. Design-based stereology is a newer stereology technique that examines morphology that has been predefined and designed.
Cortical mapping is defined as the process of characterizing specific regions in the brain based on either anatomical or functional features. Current brain atlases are not definitive or homogenous enough to portray specific structural details. Recent advances in functional brain imaging and statistical analysis may however prove to be sufficient in the future.
Neuromorphology has been used as a new method of exploring the underlying cause of many neurological, and has been included in the clinical study of various neurodegenerativediseases, mental disorders, learning disabilities, and dysfunctions due to brain damage. Researchers have been using neuromorphological techniques to not only study the damage but also ways to regenerate the damage nerve through ways like axon growth stimulation.
Computational neuromorophology examines neurons and their substructures by cutting them into slices and studying these different subsections. It also describes the neuromorphological space as a 3-D space. This allows researchers to understand the size of specific neuronal components. Additionally, the 3-D imaging helps researchers comprehend how the neuron transmits information within itself.
Design-based stereology is one of the most prominent methods for mathematically extrapolating a 3-D form from a given 2-D form. It is currently the leading technique in biochemical for analyzing 3-D structures. Design-based stereology is a newer stereology technique that examines morphology that has been predefined and designed.
Cortical mapping is defined as the process of characterizing specific regions in the brain based on either anatomical or functional features. Current brain atlases are not definitive or homogenous enough to portray specific structural details. Recent advances in functional brain imaging and statistical analysis may however prove to be sufficient in the future.
Neuromorphology has been used as a new method of exploring the underlying cause of many neurological, and has been included in the clinical study of various neurodegenerativediseases, mental disorders, learning disabilities, and dysfunctions due to brain damage. Researchers have been using neuromorphological techniques to not only study the damage but also ways to regenerate the damage nerve through ways like axon growth stimulation.
Computational neuromorophology examines neurons and their substructures by cutting them into slices and studying these different subsections. It also describes the neuromorphological space as a 3-D space. This allows researchers to understand the size of specific neuronal components. Additionally, the 3-D imaging helps researchers comprehend how the neuron transmits information within itself.
