Open AccessHemispheric and gender related differences in the midcingulum bundle: A DTI study
Author(s) -
Huster Rene J.,
Westerhausen Rene,
Kreuder Frank,
Schweiger Elisabeth,
Wittling Werner
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
human brain mapping
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.005
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1097-0193
pISSN - 1065-9471
DOI - 10.1002/hbm.20509
Subject(s) - fractional anisotropy , diffusion mri , white matter , psychology , confounding , corpus callosum , neuroscience , developmental psychology , anatomy , biology , medicine , pathology , magnetic resonance imaging , radiology
The midcingulate cortex and therefore the underlying midcingulum bundle (MCB) as well play a major role in attention. Although a specific structure's function does strongly depend on its neuroanatomical characteristics, research assessing the morphological variability of the midcingulate region is rather sparse. The present study examined the micro‐ and macrostructure of the MCB in both hemispheres by means of diffusion‐tensor imaging. Besides, effects of gender (Female = 40, Male = 39) and handedness (Lefthanders = 45, Righthanders = 34) were assessed as well. Measures of fractional anisotropy, mean diffusion, as well as the white matter volumes of the MCBs were assessed. By integration of multi‐modal images, the MCB was isolated and confounding with callosal fibers was avoided. Evidence was found indicating differences between hemispheres and gender regarding both volume and microstructural characteristics of the MCB. Interestingly, gender‐related effects seem to be substantially associated with variations in individual brain volumes. Handedness did not emerge as relevant factor in the analyses. These findings might indicate a higher functional connectivity of the left MCB and in males as compared to females. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.