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Body of fornix

The body of fornix is a crucial C-shaped white matter tract in the brain that connects the hippocampus to the mammillary bodies and septal nuclei, forming an integral part of the limbic system. This structure plays an essential role in memory processing by transmitting information between different limbic structures. Positioned inferior to the corpus callosum and above the thalamus, the body of the fornix is a midline structure easily identified in brain imaging studies.

Synonyms:

  • Fornix corporis

  • Corpus fornicis

  • Fornix body

Arterial Supply:

  • Primarily supplied by small branches from the anterior communicating artery and anterior cerebral artery.

  • Occasionally receives minor contributions from the posterior cerebral artery branches.

Venous Drainage:

  • Drains mainly into the internal cerebral veins.

  • Ultimately empties into the great cerebral vein (vein of Galen).

Function:

  • Major efferent tract of the hippocampus, essential for memory consolidation and recall.

  • Facilitates communication between the hippocampus, mammillary bodies, and septal nuclei.

  • Involved in the Papez circuit, a major neural circuit for emotional expression and memory.

MRI Appearance:

  • T1-weighted images:

    • The body of fornix appears slightly hyperintense compared to surrounding brain tissue.

  • T2-weighted images:

    • The body of fornix appears slightly hypointense relative to adjacent structures.

  • FLAIR:

    • Demonstrates slight hyperintensity compared to surrounding white matter, similar to its appearance on T1.

CT Appearance:

  • On non-contrast CT, the body of fornix is generally isodense with adjacent white matter, making it difficult to delineate from surrounding structures.

  • Calcification is uncommon; no significant contrast enhancement under normal conditions.

MRI images

Body of fornix mri 3t coronal image

MRI images

Body of fornix mri 3t sagittall image