Characterization of the human cortex in MR images through the image foresting transform

In this work we discuss an approach to characterize the human cortex in MRI data through the segmentation of the cortical layer with deep penetration into the sulci, using the Image Foresting Transform. This technique, based on graph theory, provides a sound framework for the implementation of many image processing operators, and has been successfully applied to the solution of many problems, including some in medical imaging. We show the results of applying the technique to slices of MRI data from four subjects and compare these to the computation of the morphological skeleton.