The function of the claustrum
We investigate the function of the most mysterious brain structure
The shape of the claustrum
Our research group is investigating the claustrum, for which no accurate label encompassing the whole of the claustrum exists. We have therefore created our own label. Using a high-resolution brain scan (Edlow et al., 2019), we identified the claustrum manually.
We would like to thank Maximilian Gerschütz, Elias Maerzendorfer, Erik Fink and Stefan Hödl for labeling the claustrum.
The function of the claustrum
To further investigate the function of the claustrum in humans, we use high-field MRI technology, as this allows for extraordinary detail in mapping brain activity. In a recent study, we found that it is possible to measure the activity of the claustrum in humans. It has been shown that part of the claustrum is active when people watch movie clips.
This ability to measure the activity of the claustrum opens up new possibilities to further investigate its function. We will explore how the claustrum responds to different types of visual stimuli and whether we can detect its response to sound. In addition, we will test different hypotheses about the involvement of the claustrum in attention and consciousness.
We will investigate the function of the claustrum in the context of the FWF-project “High-resolution imaging of the human claustrum”.