Abstract
Among the many neuroimaging tools available for studying human brain functions, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is the most widely used today. One advantage of fMRI over other imaging techniques is its relatively high spatial resolution. High-field fMRI, with its superb signal-to-noise ratio, has strengthened the capability of fMRI and allowed mapping of fine cortical architectures in human primary visual cortex (V1). In this presentation, I will explain the factors limiting the spatial precision and resolution of fMRI, describe the benefits that high-field fMRI offers in dealing with these issues, and introduce several high-resolution studies that have been conducted in our laboratory on the functional organization of human primary V1, including mapping of ocular dominance columns, temporal frequency dominance domains and orientation selectivity. [J Physiol Sci. 2006;56 Suppl:S3]
