# Tractography validation Part 2: The use of anatomical model systems and measures for validation

Tim B. Dyrby, Silvio Sarubbo, Francois Rheault, Els Fieremans, Adam W. Anderson, Marco Palombo, Peter Neher, Kathleen S. Rockland, Kurt G. Schilling

Handbook of Diffusion MR Tractography · 2025 · Book chapter

https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-818894-1.00020-3

## Summary

The second tractography-validation chapter reviews anatomical reference systems, empirical validation when ground truth is unavailable, and ways to quantify agreement. It connects validation in real tissue with the practical interpretation of reconstructed pathways.

## Study overview

This chapter covers validation using anatomical model systems and measurements from real tissue, complementing the simulations and phantoms discussed in Part 1. It explains empirical strategies for situations without a definitive ground truth and reviews measures used to quantify validation across anatomical scales.

## Findings / topics

- Anatomical model systems connect tractography validation with real tissue.
- Validation measures and empirical tests must match the anatomical question.

## Resources

- [Original work](https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780128188941000203)

Lab page: https://www.microstructure-connectivity-lab.com/publications/tractography-validation-anatomical/

This is a research summary, not the full article.