What mathematical tools/approaches are applied to the understanding of neuroanatomy?

Answer 1

Much less math is applied to neuroanatomy compared to neurophysiology. In neuroanatomy the most relevant mathematical features would be measures of distance, length, etc. This is most commonly done observing brain slices under a microscope and using a distance scale that's built in to one of the lenses.

In neurophysiology however, math can be a critical tool. Linear algebra is most commonly used here, but differential equations, statistics, and calculus can be factors as well. The possibilities are almost endless. The Nernst equation (and its variants) is one of the hallmarks of neurophysiology.