Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 17, 2025
08:32
Sex Differences in Mouse Hippocampal Astrocytes after In-Vitro Ischemia
Published on: October 25, 2016
13.6K
Fetal intracranial structures: differences in size according to sex
Ebru Celik Kavak1, Salih Burcin Kavak1, Cengiz Sanli1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Firat University, School of Medicine, Elazig, Turkey.
Journal of Perinatal Medicine
|February 14, 2021
Summary
Gender differences in fetal brain development are evident by 20-22 weeks gestation. Male fetuses show larger cavum septum pellucidum width and lateral ventricle horns compared to females.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Prenatal brain development exhibits complex patterns.
- Understanding sex-based variations in fetal neuroanatomy is crucial for accurate assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the dimensions of specific fetal brain structures between male and female fetuses.
- To identify potential early markers of sex-dimorphic brain development.
Main Methods:
- Transabdominal ultrasound measurements of intracranial structures in 600 fetuses (20-22 weeks gestation).
- Key measurements included biparietal diameter, head circumference, and lateral ventricle dimensions.
- Statistical analysis using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and independent samples t-test (p<0.05 significance).
Main Results:
- Statistically significant differences in brain structure sizes were observed between genders.
- Male fetuses exhibited a larger cavum septum pellucidum width (3.85±0.96 mm vs. 3.38±0.61 mm, p<0.05).
- Male fetuses also had significantly larger anterior (1.92±0.30 mm vs. 1.58±0.26 mm, p<0.0001) and posterior horns of the lateral ventricles (6.00±0.87 mm vs. 5.53±1.17 mm, p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Sex-based differences in fetal brain structure dimensions emerge during mid-gestation.
- These findings aid in precise evaluation of intracranial structures and understanding sex-related physiological and pathological variations.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles
6.3K
There are hollow fluid-filled cavities known as ventricles deep inside the human brain. There are two lateral ventricles, one in each cerebral hemisphere, and each has three different projections — the anterior, inferior, and posterior horns visible from the lateral side. A thin membrane called the septum pellucidum separates the two lateral ventricles. The slender third ventricle in the diencephalon is connected to each lateral ventricle via a channel called the interventricular foramen.
6.3K
01:20Anatomy of the Brain: Major Regions
8.2K
The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. It consists of four main parts: the cerebrum, diencephalon, cerebellum, and brainstem.
The cerebrum is the largest section of the brain and divides into left and right hemispheres, separated by a deep fissure. The cerebral outer layer of grey matter — the cerebral cortex — comprises elevations called gyri and shallow groves called sulci. The inner portion of white matter includes long nerve fibers known as axons, which connect...
The cerebrum is the largest section of the brain and divides into left and right hemispheres, separated by a deep fissure. The cerebral outer layer of grey matter — the cerebral cortex — comprises elevations called gyri and shallow groves called sulci. The inner portion of white matter includes long nerve fibers known as axons, which connect...
8.2K
01:22Sutures of the Skull
9.2K
The human skull is composed of several bones that come together to protect the brain and support the structures of the face. The junctions where these bones meet are called sutures.
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...
9.2K
01:26Cerebrum: Anatomical Overview I
3.8K
The main and largest component of the human brain is the cerebrum. The cerebrum consists of two main parts: the cerebral cortex, an outer layer with wrinkles or folds known as gyri and shallow grooves called sulci, and a deeper region beneath it. The cerebrum divides into two distinct hemispheres and contains five different lobes: the frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, and insula. The central sulcus separates the frontal and parietal lobes and two functionally important gyri — the...
3.8K
01:19Cranial and Spinal Meninges
2.7K
The cranial and spinal meninges are complex protective structures surrounding the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. These meninges consist of the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. They protect the CNS, provide structural support, and aid in circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
2.7K
01:08Overview of the Skull
6.7K
The cranium (skull) is the skeletal structure of the head that supports the face and protects the brain. It is subdivided into the facial bones and the brain case, or cranial vault. The facial bones underlie the facial structures, form the nasal cavity, enclose the eyeballs, and support the teeth of the upper and lower jaws.
The cranial vault surrounds and protects the brain and houses the middle and inner ear structures. This cavity is bounded superiorly by the rounded top of the skull, which...
The cranial vault surrounds and protects the brain and houses the middle and inner ear structures. This cavity is bounded superiorly by the rounded top of the skull, which...
6.7K