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Related Experiment Videos

Increased corpus callosum size in musicians

G Schlaug1, L Jäncke, Y Huang

  • 1Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.

Neuropsychologia
|August 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Professional musicians show a larger anterior corpus callosum (CC) compared to controls, especially those with early musical training. This suggests differences in brain structure and interhemispheric communication related to musical expertise.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neuroimaging
  • Human Anatomy

Background:

  • The corpus callosum (CC) is the largest white matter tract, facilitating interhemispheric communication.
  • Previous research suggests structural brain differences in individuals with extensive musical training.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate structural differences in the midsagittal area of the corpus callosum (CC) between professional musicians and matched controls.
  • To explore the impact of early musical training on CC morphology.

Main Methods:

  • In-vivo magnetic resonance morphometry was employed.
  • A cohort of 30 professional musicians was compared with 30 age-, sex-, and handedness-matched controls.

Main Results:

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  • The anterior half of the CC was significantly larger in professional musicians.
  • This enlargement was particularly pronounced in musicians who began training before age 7.
  • Findings suggest a correlation between CC size and white matter fiber count, implying altered interhemispheric communication.

    • Conclusions:

    • Early musical training is associated with significant structural plasticity in the anterior corpus callosum.
    • These findings indicate potential alterations in interhemispheric communication and sensorimotor hemispheric asymmetry in musicians.
    • Results support the concept of CC structural changes during early human development, mirroring findings in animal studies.