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Late childhood changes in brain morphology observable with MRI.
1VA Medical Center, San Diego, CA 92161.
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Brain maturation continues into adulthood, with significant thinning of the cortical mantle and increased ventricle volume observed between childhood and young adulthood. Cerebellar vermis also shows developmental changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Brain development extends beyond childhood into adulthood.
- Understanding age-related morphological changes is crucial for neuroscience and clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess brain maturation from childhood to young adulthood.
- To identify specific changes in gray matter, white matter, cortical mantle, ventricles, and cerebellum.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of brain morphology using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
- Comparison of brain scans from two age groups: children (8-10 years) and young adults (25-39 years).
Main Results:
- Brain volume showed slight increases, but significant changes were observed in the gray to white matter ratio.
- The cortical mantle thinned considerably, with a corresponding increase in cerebral ventricle volume.
- The neocerebellar vermal area increased, potentially altering the neocerebellar to paleocerebellar ratio.
Conclusions:
- Brain maturation is an ongoing process throughout late childhood and into adulthood.
- Significant structural reorganization occurs in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum during this period.
- These findings provide quantitative insights into human brain development and aging.