. The evolution of neuroimaging has profoundly transformed our understanding of brain anatomy, particularly the cerebral white matter. From the localizationist doctrines of the 19th century to the advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the 20th century, imaging tools have enabled increasingly precise, non-invasive studies of brain structure. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has emerged as a pivotal method for visualizing white matter tracts in vivo, allowing quantification of water molecule diffusion and the reconstruction of fiber pathways. Through scalar parameters such as the apparent diffusion coefficient and fractional anisotropy, DTI provides insight into the structural integrity and spatial organization of projection, commissural, and association fibers. This technique supports preoperative planning and enhances our understanding of the functional implications of brain lesions. Although DTI offers morphological data, it does not directly measure function, highlighting the continued necessity of intraoperative mapping for preserving eloquent areas. The anatomical knowledge derived from DTI has important educational value, helping bridge the gap between classic gray matter-focused neuroanatomy and the complex connectivity enabled by white matter fasciculi.