Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
12:21

Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Published on: September 12, 2011

25.9K

[Structural Brain Development in Healthy Children and Adolescents]

Izumi Matsudaira1, Ryuta Kawashima, Yasuyuki Taki

  • 1Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University.

Brain and Nerve = Shinkei Kenkyu No Shinpo
|May 9, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Understanding brain development in children and adolescents is crucial for diagnosing neurodevelopmental disorders. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analyzes brain MRI scans to explore factors influencing healthy brain maturation.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental biology
  • Medical imaging

Background:

  • Brain maturation continues through childhood and adolescence.
  • Understanding typical brain development is vital for identifying neurodevelopmental disorders and preventing psychiatric or neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Brain structure in children and adolescents shows significant variation based on age, sex, and other factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review studies utilizing Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM) to investigate structural brain development in healthy children and adolescents.
  • To discuss the relationship between VBM findings and factors such as age, lifestyle, parenting, and genetic variations.

Main Methods:

  • Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM) is employed to analyze brain magnetic resonance images (MRI).
  • This method is suitable for assessing structural brain changes in pediatric and adolescent populations.
  • The review synthesizes information from existing VBM studies.

Main Results:

  • VBM effectively analyzes structural variations in developing brains.
  • Studies reveal correlations between brain structure and factors like age, lifestyle, parenting, and genetics.
  • These findings contribute to understanding typical brain maturation trajectories.

Conclusions:

  • VBM is a valuable tool for studying structural brain development in youth.
  • Identifying factors influencing typical development aids in understanding atypical development.
  • This research supports early diagnosis and intervention for neurodevelopmental disorders.

More Related Videos

Symmetric Bihemispheric Postmortem Brain Cutting to Study Healthy and Pathological Brain Conditions in Humans08:29

Symmetric Bihemispheric Postmortem Brain Cutting to Study Healthy and Pathological Brain Conditions in Humans

Published on: December 18, 2016

14.7K
Author Spotlight: A Lightweight Drive Implant for Chronic Tetrode Recordings in Juvenile Mice06:34

Author Spotlight: A Lightweight Drive Implant for Chronic Tetrode Recordings in Juvenile Mice

Published on: June 2, 2023

3.7K

Related Concept Videos

Neuroplasticity01:01

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.
2.1K
Organization of the Brain01:30

Organization of the Brain

The brain is an integral component of the nervous system and serves as the center for processing sensory inputs, making decisions, and directing bodily actions. This complex organ is organized into three primary sections: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, each responsible for a range of vital functions.
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...
2.9K
Three Developmental Domains01:29

Three Developmental Domains

Human development is typically examined across three main domains: physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional. These domains represent the significant areas of change and continuity throughout the lifespan, from infancy to late adulthood.
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
1.3K
Cognitive Development During Adolescence01:18

Cognitive Development During Adolescence

During adolescence, individuals experience significant cognitive development that enhances their understanding of others' emotions and thoughts, known as cognitive empathy. This period is marked by an increased ability to adapt to others' perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of others' mental states, a skill that is foundational for social problem-solving and conflict avoidance. The development of cognitive empathy relies heavily on the theory of mind — the...
735
Brain Imaging01:14

Brain Imaging

Brain imaging technologies provide critical insights into both the structure and function of the human brain, enabling medical professionals and researchers to diagnose, study, and treat neurological disorders or psychiatric disorders more effectively.
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans),  magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),  functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic...
801
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Biological Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, arises from a complex interplay of biological factors, including genetic predisposition, structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and developmental irregularities. These factors collectively contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
815