Morphologic asymmetry of the human anterior cingulate cortex

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neuroanatomy
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is crucial for executive functions.
• Significant morphological variability exists within the ACC.
• Cortical fissurization theories link sulcal patterns to growth and cytoarchitecture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate associations between ACC fissurization and gray matter volume.
• To quantify the presence and extent of the paracingulate sulcus (PCS) in relation to handedness and sex.
• To explore macrostructural differences in the ACC.

Main Methods:

• Quantification of ACC fissurization via paracingulate sulcus (PCS) presence and extension.
• Optimized voxel-based morphometry (oVBM) with modulation for gray matter volume assessment.
• Comparison of structural data across different handedness and sex groups.

Main Results:

• The PCS was more frequent and pronounced in the left ACC compared to the right.
• Hemispheric differences were less pronounced in male left-handers and female right-handers.
• oVBM analysis revealed interactions consistent with macrostructural discrepancies between groups and hemispheres, particularly in the left hemisphere.

Conclusions:

• Evidence supports macrostructural differences in the ACC related to handedness and sex.
• Variations in cingulate morphology, especially in the left hemisphere, contribute to observed group discrepancies.
• Findings underscore the link between cortical development, sulcal patterns, and regional brain volume.