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Updated: Nov 1, 2025
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How to Measure Cortical Folding from MR Images: a Step-by-Step Tutorial to Compute Local Gyrification Index
Published on: January 2, 2012
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The One-Stop Gyrification Station - Challenges and New Technologies
Ryan A Hickmott1, Abdulhameed Bosakhar2, Sebastian Quezada2
1School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia; BioFab3D@ACMD, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia.
Progress in Neurobiology
|June 24, 2021
Summary
Brain folding, or gyrification, is key for higher cognition but its mechanisms are unknown. This review explores how models, model organisms, and new technologies reveal the biological and physical forces driving cortical development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- Cortical folding (gyrification) is a hallmark of the human brain, crucial for advanced cognitive functions.
- Despite extensive research, the underlying neurodevelopmental mechanisms and origins of gyrification remain largely unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current knowledge on the mechanisms of cortical folding.
- To review diverse methodologies and model systems used to study gyrification.
- To highlight emerging technologies and their role in understanding brain development.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis across model organisms (mouse, ferret, sheep, non-human primates).
- Review of computational and physical models of cortical folding.
- Integration of data from advanced techniques like cerebral organoids and neuroimaging.
Main Results:
- Model organisms have significantly advanced understanding of cortical folding patterns.
- Emerging technologies offer new insights into the interplay of biological and physical forces.
- Novel computational and physical models are crucial for deciphering gyrification.
Conclusions:
- Understanding cortical folding requires integrating diverse approaches and technologies.
- Further research into the physical and biological forces is essential for unraveling gyrification.
- This review provides a framework for future studies on brain development and evolution.
