Enhanced cortical connectivity in absolute pitch musicians: a model for local hyperconnectivity.
Connectivity in the human brain has received increased scientific interest in recent years. Although connection disorders can affect perception, production, learning, and memory, few studies have associated brain connectivity with graded variations in human behavior, especially among normal individuals. One group of normal individuals who possess unique characteristics in both behavior and brain structure is absolute pitch (AP) musicians, who can name the appropriate pitch class of any given tone without a reference. Using diffusion tensor imaging and tractography, we observed hyperconnectivity in bilateral superior temporal lobe structures linked to AP possession. Furthermore, volume of tracts connecting left superior temporal gyrus to left middle temporal gyrus predicted AP performance. These findings extend previous reports of exaggerated temporal lobe asymmetry, may explain the higher incidence of AP in special populations, and may provide a model for understanding the heightened connectivity that is thought to underlie savant skills and cases of exceptional creativity.
Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave., Palmer 127, Boston, MA 02215, USA. ploui@bidmc.harvard.edu
Psyche
P
Loui
H Charles
HC
Li
Anja
A
Hohmann
Gottfried
G
Schlaug
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001931:Brain Mapping; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009146:Music; D010898:Pitch Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult