Investigation of the Human Brain Motor Cortex by Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Objective To explore functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI)of motor cortex by using echo planar imaging(EPI) and blood oxygenation level dependent(BOLD)contrast.Methods Twenty-seven healthy volunteers were included in this experiment.Motor stimulation was induced by repetitive pressing the rubber roll of right hand of the volunteers.The echo planar images of the motor cortex were acquired at motion stimulation and rest phases.T-test analysis was used to statistically generate the activation map.Results The activation areas were found in contralateral sensorimotor area,bilateral supplementary motor area and so on.Conclusion fMRI could be used to study human functional cortex.A preliminary location of the motor cortex can be acquired through motor stimulation.