Thesis
Sex differences in white matter development: infancy through early adolescence
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
2016
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/w4qc-8k25
Abstract
Cerebral growth and maturation in infancy through late adolescence is an important aspect of development. We sought to examine sex differences in brain development in a healthy population of children. This study sample consisted of normal, healthy male and female children, ranging from infancy (3 months) through adolescence (18 years). We employed a magnetic resonance method of Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), which analyzes the movement of water within the brain tissue. DTI measures such as Fractional Anisotropy (FA) are usually interpreted as an indication of the development and complexity of white matter tracts. Utilizing such techniques aids in the understanding of white matter development and change over time. Results of DTI analysis revealed a positive curvilinear trend early on in development when analyzing the corpus callosum. This pattern was notable in both sexes but presents a more pronounced slope in females across infancy into approximately 5 years of age. As development continues, this trend plateaus and similar white matter development patterns are present in both males and females. This unique acute trend in development observed so early on may be a useful tool in elucidating developmental differences across gender.
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Details
- Title
- Sex differences in white matter development
- Creators
- Tawny Meredith-Duliba - DU
- Contributors
- J. Michael Williams (Advisor) - Drexel University, Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- vi, 49 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 8258; 991014632687804721