title: Cortical surface area and cortical thickness demonstrate differential structural asymmetry in auditory-related areas of the human cortex.
abstract: This investigation provides an analysis of structural asymmetries in 5 anatomically defined regions (Heschl's gyrus, HG; Heschl's sulcus, HS; planum temporale, PT; planum polare, PP; superior temporal gyrus, STG) within the human auditory-related cortex. Volumetric 3-dimensional T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans were collected from 104 participants (52 males). Cortical volume (CV), cortical thickness (CT), and cortical surface area (CSA) were calculated based on individual scans of these anatomical traits. This investigation demonstrates a leftward asymmetry for CV and CSA that is observed in the HG, STG, and PT regions. As regards CT, we note a rightward asymmetry in the HG and HS. A correlation analysis of asymmetry indices between measurements for distinct regions of interest (ROIs) yields significant correlations between CT and CV in 4 of 5 ROIs (HG, HS, PT, and STG). Significant correlation values between CSA and CV are observed for all 5 ROIs. The findings suggest that auditory-related cortical areas demonstrate larger leftward asymmetry with respect to the CSA, while a clear rightward asymmetry with respect to CT is salient in both the primary and the secondary auditory cortex only. In addition, we propose that CV is not an ideal neuromarker for anatomical measurements. CT and CSA should be considered independent traits of anatomical asymmetries in the auditory-related cortex.
authors: Neuroplasticity and Learning in the Healthy Aging Brain (HAB LAB), Institute of Psychology, International Normal Aging and Plasticity Imaging Center and.
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Meyer
authors: Neuroplasticity and Learning in the Healthy Aging Brain (HAB LAB), Institute of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors: Franziskus
authors: F
authors: Liem
authors: International Normal Aging and Plasticity Imaging Center and.
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Hirsiger
authors: International Normal Aging and Plasticity Imaging Center and Division of Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors: Lutz
authors: L
authors: Jäncke
authors: Division of Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors: Jürgen
authors: J
authors: Hänggi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001303:Auditory Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: auditory-related cortex; cortical surface area; cortical thickness; hemispheric asymmetry