Identification of the Rubro-Olivary Tract in the Human Brain: a Diffusion Tensor Tractography Study

[Purpose] Little is known about the rubro-olivary tract (ROT) in the human brain. We attempted to identify the ROT using diffusion tensor tractography (DTT). [Subjects and Methods] We obtained ROT data from 11 healthy Subjects with no history of neurological disorder. For tracking of the ROT, a seed region of interest (ROI) was selected in the red nucleus, and a target ROI was found in the inferior olive of each Subject. [Results] The ROT, originated in the red nucleus, and passed laterally to the decussation of the superior cerebellar peduncle in the lower midbrain. In the pons, it descended through the area adjacent to the medial lemnicus in the posterior direction. Within the medulla, the ROT ended in the inferior olive, which was located lateral to the medial lemnicus and posterior to the pyramid. [Conclusion] We identified the ROT in the human brain using DTT. These results will be informative for research Into the ROT in the human brain.