headplate

A headplate is a small, rigid plate affixed to the skull to provide a stable mounting interface for head fixation or cranial access. In neuroscience and related fields, headplates are most commonly used with small laboratory animals to immobilize the head during imaging, electrophysiology, or behavioral testing, enabling high-resolution data collection with minimal motion artifacts.

Construction and design vary, but headplates are typically made from biocompatible metals such as titanium or stainless steel, and sometimes from ceramics or polymers. The plate is contoured to fit the curvature of the skull and includes features such as holes or threaded regions to attach clamps, adapters, or a mechanical arm. Some designs are combined with a cranial window to grant optical access to underlying brain tissue, facilitating techniques like two-photon microscopy.

Applications include longitudinal neuroscience experiments where repeated sessions are required, precise control of head position during imaging or recording, and the integration of head-fixed behavior setups. Headplates enable consistent alignment across sessions and can reduce motion-related noise in data.

Implantation is a surgical procedure performed under anesthesia, where the skull is exposed, screws and dental cement secure the plate to the bone, and care is taken to minimize tissue damage and inflammation. Postoperative recovery and veterinary oversight are standard. In chronic use, regular monitoring for tissue reaction and maintenance of the fixation apparatus are typical considerations.

Variants of headplates may differ in size, shape, and mounting mechanisms, and may be customized to accommodate specific experimental setups or species.