Animal models are useful in studying human neuroanatomy with tractography

Despite the impact of tractography on human brain mapping, direct validation and biological interpretation remain challenging. This short communication summarizes the key points of a debate held at the 2024 Tract-Anat Retreat on whether animal models are useful for studying human neuroanatomy with diffusion MRI tractography. While recognizing limitations, such as anatomical and biological differences between species, hardware and acquisition considerations and direct translation and interpretation, we identified immense value and utility of animal models for tractography including validation with histology, acquiring high-resolution datasets, exploring disease mechanisms, and advancing comparative neuroanatomy. These perspectives highlight the translational potential of preclinical models to inform tractography methodologies and underscore the need for careful species selection, methodological rigor, and ethical oversight in cross-species neuroimaging research.