Relaxometry differences between magno- and parvocellular human LGN subdivisions revealed by in- and ex-vivo quantitative MRI

The human lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) is the central station for visual processing before information reaches the cerebral cortex. It is characterized by subdivisions with distinct cyto- and myeloarchitecture. Due to its small size, imaging of the LGN and especially its subdivisions is challenging. Here, we show that the LGN and its subdivisions can be identified using in-vivo and ex-vivo high-field quantitative MRI with ultra-high resolution. We present the to-date first atlas of the LGN and its estimated subdivisions. This work will serve as a highly valuable tool both for neuroscientists and clinicians investigating the visual system and its disorders.