The development of gyrification in childhood and adolescence.

Bibliographic Collection: 
MOCA Reference, APE
Publication Type: Journal Article
Authors: White, T.; Su, S.; Schmidt, M.; Kao, Chiu-Yen; Sapiro, G.
Year of Publication: 2010
Journal: Brain Cogn
Volume: 72
Issue: 1
Pagination: 36-45
Date Published: 02/2010
Publication Language: eng
ISSN: 1090-2147
Keywords: Adolescent, Adolescent Development, Animals, Brain, Child, Child Development, Humans, Models, Neurological, Sex Characteristics
Abstract:

Gyrification is the process by which the brain undergoes changes in surface morphology to create sulcal and gyral regions. The period of greatest development of brain gyrification is during the third trimester of pregnancy, a period of time in which the brain undergoes considerable growth. Little is known about changes in gyrification during childhood and adolescence, although considering the changes in gray matter volume and thickness during this time period, it is conceivable that alterations in the brain surface morphology could also occur during this period of development. The formation of gyri and sulci in the brain allows for compact wiring that promotes and enhances efficient neural processing. If cerebral function and form are linked through the organization of neural connectivity, then alterations in neural connectivity, i.e., synaptic pruning, may also alter the gyral and sulcal patterns of the brain. This paper reviews developmental theories of gyrification, computational techniques for measuring gyrification, and the potential interaction between gyrification and neuronal connectivity. We also present recent findings involving alterations in gyrification during childhood and adolescence.

DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2009.10.009
Alternate Journal: Brain Cogn