Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2025

Visualization of Cortical Modules in Flattened Mammalian Cortices
Published on: January 22, 2018
Cognitive insights from tertiary sulci in prefrontal cortex
Willa I Voorhies1, Jacob A Miller2, Jewelia K Yao3
1Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. wvoorhies@berkeley.edu.
The depth of specific lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) tertiary sulci correlates with reasoning abilities in children and adolescents. This finding supports theories linking brain development to advanced cognitive skills.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Human Evolution
Background:
- The lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) shows disproportionate expansion in humans.
- The link between LPFC structure and unique human cognitive abilities remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between LPFC tertiary sulcal morphology and reasoning scores in children and adolescents.
- To test the hypothesis that variations in sulcal patterns relate to cognitive differences.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a data-driven approach with independent discovery and replication samples.
- Analyzed individual differences in LPFC tertiary sulcal depth.
- Correlated sulcal morphology with reasoning scores, controlling for age.
Main Results:
- Specific LPFC tertiary sulcal depth was significantly associated with individual differences in reasoning scores.
- This association remained significant after accounting for age.
- Replication samples confirmed the initial findings.
Conclusions:
- The study provides evidence supporting the theory that the development of tertiary sulci is linked to the evolution of complex cognitive functions.
- Variability in LPFC tertiary sulcal patterns may underlie differences in reasoning abilities.
- Sharing tertiary sulcal definitions aims to facilitate future neuroanatomical-behavioral research.
More Related Videos
06:05Modification of a Colliculo-thalamocortical Mouse Brain Slice, Incorporating 3-D printing of Chamber Components and Multi-scale Optical Imaging
Published on: September 18, 2015
09:00Investigating the Function of Deep Cortical and Subcortical Structures Using Stereotactic Electroencephalography: Lessons from the Anterior Cingulate Cortex
Published on: April 15, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex
Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex....
Lobes of the Cerebrum
Frontal lobe
The frontal lobes, located behind the forehead, are the command center of our brain, controlling personality, intelligence, and voluntary muscle movements....
Cerebrum: Anatomical Overview I
Organization of the Brain
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...
Role of Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex in Memory