he white matter of the cerebrum underlies the outer cortex of gray matter, and is composed of densely packed axons that are organized in fascicles or fi ber tracts. These tracts have a complex three-dimensional (3D) confi guration within the hemispheres, the brainstem and the spinal cord.
A detailed knowledge of the architectural anatomy of the white matter tracts is paramount, for strategically planning for surgical management of parenchymal brain lesions, such as gliomas. Neuroanatomical laboratory training is very valuable to study and understand the anatomy of white matter fibers. In particular, cortex-sparing fiber dissection facilitates knowledge of this complex anatomy. None of the recently developed surgical guides such as neuronavigation, intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography can provide a similar comprehensive understanding of the 3D fi ber pathways organization.
In the present course, the participants will learn the technique of cortexsparing
fiber dissection in order to acquire the mental imagery of the main white matter tracts. We wanted to give a practical perspective to the course; therefore, in the second day, the participants will directly apply the knowledge acquired to practice surgical approaches in the laboratory.
The congress will be held in the prestigious School of Medicine at the University of Cantabria.
We look forward to welcoming you in Santander.
The Scientific Secretariat