Diffusion tensor tractography is a non-invasive imaging technique that can track neuronal fibre pathways (or tracts) in a living human brain. This technique uses magnetic resonance imaging and software that is configured to detect water diffusion in the brain. Ordinarily, water diffuses in all directions. When there is a barrier, such as a neuronal fibre, water will diffuse unevenly. It is thought that the direction of fastest diffusion corresponds to the length of the neuronal fibre pathways.

The colours in this technique indicate the orientation of the neuronal fibres: red indicates left-right, green front-back, and blue top-bottom.

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