Search and Query Tools on VFB

Text search and query tools and how to explore the 3D images.

VFB integrates data curated from the literature with image data from many sources. Searches and queries can be used to explore this data.

Location of the VFB search and query tools.


Search for the item you’re interested in

Query for related terms and images

The Search Tool

The search system allows you to search for neurons and neuroanatomical structures using almost any name found in the literature. Positive and negative filters can be applied from the drop-down to restrict the results.

The VFB search tool.

The Query Tool

The query system can identify neurons innervating any specified neuropil or fasciculating with any specified tract. It also allows queries for genes, transgenes and phenotypes expressed in any brain region or neuron.

The VFB query tool.

Queries from Term Info

Some Term Info panes have pre-defined queries relevant to that term. For example, the Term Info pane for a brain region may have queries for neurons innervating that region and drivers expressing in that region.

Queries in the Term Info pane.

Query Results

Query results give information for each result, including thumbnail images where available. Results can be filtered by typing in the top bar and sorted by clicking on column titles.

Results from an example query on VFB.

Last modified February 10, 2026: update website features docs (f4b24d8)