Open AccessCortical morphometry in frontoparietal and default mode networks in math‐gifted adolescents
Author(s) -
NavasSánchez Francisco J.,
Carmona Susana,
AlemánGómez Yasser,
SánchezGonzález Javier,
GuzmándeVilloria Juan,
Franco Carolina,
Robles Olalla,
Arango Celso,
Desco Manuel
Publication year - 2016
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.23143
Subject(s) - psychology , default mode network , neuroimaging , cortex (anatomy) , executive functions , hum , developmental psychology , neuroscience , cognitive psychology , functional connectivity , cognition , art , performance art , art history
Math‐gifted subjects are characterized by above‐age performance in intelligence tests, exceptional creativity, and high task commitment. Neuroimaging studies reveal enhanced functional brain organization and white matter microstructure in the frontoparietal executive network of math‐gifted individuals. However, the cortical morphometry of these subjects remains largely unknown. The main goal of this study was to compare the cortical morphometry of math‐gifted adolescents with that of an age‐ and IQ‐matched control group. We used surface‐based methods to perform a vertex‐wise analysis of cortical thickness and surface area. Our results show that math‐gifted adolescents present a thinner cortex and a larger surface area in key regions of the frontoparietal and default mode networks, which are involved in executive processing and creative thinking, respectively. The combination of reduced cortical thickness and larger surface area suggests above‐age neural maturation of these networks in math‐gifted individuals. Hum Brain Mapp 37:1893–1902, 2016 . © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc .