Magnetic resonance imaging based volumetry: a primary approach to unravelling the brain

Abstract Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging based volumetry is recognized as an important technique for studying the brain. In this review, two principle volumetric methods using high resolution MR Images were introduced, namely the Cavalieri method and the voxel based morphometry (VBM). The Cavalieri method represents a manual technique that allows the volume of brain structures to be estimated efficiently with no systematic error or sampling bias, whereby the VBM represents an automated image analysis which involves the use of statistical parametric mapping of the MR imaging data. Both methods have been refined and applied extensively in recent neuroscience research. The present paper aims to describe the development of methodologies and also to update the knowledge of their applications in studying the normal and diseased brain. *Supported by National Natural Science 'Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 30625024, 30530300), the programs for NCET in University (Grant No. 04-0866), SRFDP (Grant No.20060610073) ...