FC Flatmap Viewer

Functional Connectivity (FC) Flatmap Viewer

The FC flatmap is a tool that provides the semantic description of all anatomical locations in the mammalian body along with the connectivity of networks that transfer information (neural connectivity) or mass flow (blood vessels and lymphatics) between these locations. Learn more about FC Flatmaps.

When first loading the FC flatmap, all organ systems and connectivity are hidden. Users are able to use the systems legend (control G below) to select their systems of interest to make them visible. Connectivity relevant to the system(s) will also be displayed.

The Interface

Figure 6: The Functional Connectivity (FC) map interface. By default, all systems are hidden.

The Functional Connectivity (FC) map interface. By default, all systems are hidden.

A: Systems Interface

The systems displayed in the FC can be identified and filtered using this interface. Clicking the dropdown options allows the selection of FTUs on the map.

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Note:

By default, all systems are hidden on the FC map. All systems can be visualised by checking the All option of the Systems interface.

B: Neural pathways interface

Similar to the AC map, the pathways visualized in the flatmap can be controlled in this area. Please take note that the FC map visualizes the arterial and venous blood vessels.

Interacting with the display

Moving around the FC map can be achieved with a single left-click and drag.

When hovering over any of the features in the FC map, a tooltip will be prompted that will provide information, as shown in Figure 1. See the Functional Connectivity Map section for more information on the features of the FC map.

Hovering over levator anguli oris

Figure 1: Hovering over the 'Levator anguli oris' FTU prompts a tooltip that provides further information.

Information about FTUs comes from external literature sources. Clicking on an FTU prompts the flatmap context card that allows access to this literature (not complete yet). For example, as illustrated in Figure 2, the Main bronchus FTU, present in the Pair of Lungs box in the Cardiorespiratory System has been annotated with a literature source that provides further information on bronchi.

Main bronchus popup

Figure 2: The 'Main bronchus' FTU has been annotated with PubMed literature sources.
This flatmap context card can be accessed by clicking on the FTU.

Similarly, some pathways have been populated with an external literature source, as well as information relating to the origin, destination and components of the neuron connection. As shown in Figure 3, clicking on these pathways prompts the flatmap context card, and scrolling down reveals more information and the link to the literature source.

Connection information show graphically

Figure 3: By clicking on the pathways representing bladder innervation, information on the origin, destination, and components can be accessed. Scrolling down reveals more information and the PubMed literature source.

While hovering over pathways, a tooltip is prompted that provides information on the respective nerve, as shown in Figure 4. (Note: This information originates from SCKAN. For more information refer to the SPARC Connectivity Knowledge Base of the Autonomic Nervous System (SCKAN) documentation). There are often multiple pathways stacked upon each other. In these cases, the tooltip will provide information on all pathways present.

Hovering over connection pathway

Figure 4: Hovering over a pathway prompts a tooltip that provides information on the neuron connection.

Functional Connectivity (FC) Map Interface Controls

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Note:

The majority of the controls in the FC flatmap interface are the same as those in the AC flatmap. See the Anatomical Connectivity map section for further details.