Detection of white and gray matter functional networks in the human cervical spinal cord at 7T using resting-state BOLD fMRI

Motivation: These findings extend prior research conducted at lower-field strengths in humans underscoring the ability of 7T MRI to reveal intrinsic SC networks with high spatial specificity. Goal(s): This study aimed to detect fine scale functional networks within both gray and white matter of the human cervical SC utilizing high-resolution scans obtained at 7T field strength. Approach: ICA was done on resting-state BOLD fMRI to identify six distinct GM networks and five distinct WM networks. Results: GM networks were identified in the bilateral dorsal and ventral horns and networks in intermediate GM regions. WM networks were detected in the dorsal, ventral, and lateral columns. Impact: ICA of 7T human spinal cord fMRI revealed new functional networks being robustly detected within GM and WM of cervical SC which will help in better understanding the sensorimotor integration of information within the SC and thus have clinical significance.