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Sex differences in the inferior parietal lobule
M E Frederikse1, A Lu, E Aylward
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Cerebral Cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991)
|December 22, 1999
Summary
Men have larger left inferior parietal lobule (IPL) volumes and asymmetry than women. These brain differences in the heteromodal association cortex may explain cognitive variations between sexes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroanatomy
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- The inferior parietal lobule (IPL), a region within the heteromodal association cortex (HASC), is hypothesized to show sexual dimorphism.
- Sexual dimorphism in HASC regions, especially concerning asymmetry, is a known phenomenon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential sexual dimorphism in the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) volume and asymmetry.
- To compare IPL gray matter volume between males and females using a precise measurement method.
Main Methods:
- Utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from 15 matched pairs of male and female subjects.
- Employed a reliable method for measuring IPL gray matter volume based on individual sulcal-gyral landmarks.
Main Results:
- Male subjects exhibited significantly larger left IPL volumes compared to females.
- No significant difference in right IPL volume was observed between sexes.
- Males displayed a leftward IPL asymmetry (left > right), while females showed a less pronounced opposite asymmetry.
Conclusions:
- The study identified significant sex differences in IPL volume and asymmetry.
- These neuroanatomical findings in the inferior parietal lobule may contribute to observed cognitive differences between males and females.