Development of the corpus callosum during normal growth

Abstract

Objective Corpus callosum is the main structure that provides communication between the two brain hemispheres. This study aimed to investigate the differences in the shape of corpus callosum and cranium during growth and to assess their potential clinical implications. Methods Cranium and corpus callosum shape data were collected from two-dimensional digital images. Generalized Procrustes analysis was used to obtain mean shapes between consecutive age-groups. Shape deformation of the corpus callosum between consecutive age-groups was evaluated using the thin-plate spline method. Results There were significant age-based differences in the shape of carpos callosum and cranium. The most prominent deformation was seen in the posterior midbody (a region of the corpus callosum), while the greatest deformation in the cranium was observed in the biparietal area. There were significant differences in corpus callosum shape between 1- and 2-year age-groups. The diameter of the cranium increased up to the age of 4 years; however, this increase was not uniform, especially in the biparietal areas. Conclusions The growth of skull and the development of the corpus callosum are not similar. The development of corpus callosum may be a better indicator of neural development than skull enlargement.