The symbolic atlas of the brain: handling non-visual information associated with neuroanatomy.

The Symbolic Atlas of the brain is a novel software tool which enables the user to store and access non-visual information associated with the brain anatomy. The atlas is potentially capable of storing any information about neuroanatomical objects. The user can construct a number of atlases, each containing a different kind of information related to functionality, pathology, symptoms and other facts. The Prolog database that underpins the storage of knowledge frames provides scope for nearly unconstrained usage and manipulation of the stored data, including reasoning with and about data and complex querying. The access to the stored information is provided in an intuitive way, through a simple 'click' on an anatomical structure either in a two- or three-dimensional atlas, or on an outline of a structure superimposed on a real image slice. A pilot educational and clinical use of the atlas indicates its great potential, especially in the are of education.