Issue 3/4 Vol. 37 1995

Cognitive neuroanatomy: In-vivo morphometry of the brain

STEINMETZ, H.

The normal anatomy of the human brain was difficult to investigate until the recent advent of volumetric magnetic resonance imaging ("in-vivo morphometry"). Using this technique, correlations have emerged between some gross morphologic features and functional measures. For instance, left-right asymmetry of the planum temporale, a language-related area on the posterior supratemporal plane, is correlated with handedness. Because asymmetry of this structure develops in utero, it is likely to represent a biological marker of an early structural-functional left-right gradient. These and other in-vivo morphometric studies suggest that features of normal brain anatomy, being the result of function-related microstructural morphogenetic forces, can co-vary with behavioral measures ("cognitive neuroanatomy").

Keywords: cerebral laterality, handness, volumetric magnetic resonance imaging

Short Title: Steinmetz, H. (1995) PsyBeit 3-4:297

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