| Title | White matter microstructures underlying mathematical abilities in children. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2008 |
| Authors | van Eimeren L, Niogi SN, McCandliss BD, Holloway ID, Ansari D |
| Journal | Neuroreport |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue | 11 |
| Pagination | 1117-21 |
| Date Published | 2008 Jul 16 |
| ISSN | 0959-4965 |
| Keywords | Anisotropy, Brain, Child, Cognition, Corpus Callosum, Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Female, Humans, Image Processing, Computer-Assisted, Internal Capsule, Male, Mathematics, Problem Solving, Reaction Time, Wechsler Scales |
| Abstract | The role of gray matter function and structure in mathematical cognition has been well researched. Comparatively little is known about white matter microstructures associated with mathematical abilities. Diffusion tensor imaging data from 13 children (7-9 years) and two measures of their mathematical competence were collected. Relationships between children's mathematical competence and fractional anisotropy were found in two left hemisphere white matter regions. Although the superior corona radiata was found to be associated with both numerical operations and mathematical reasoning, the inferior longitudinal fasciculus was correlated with numerical operations specifically. These findings suggest a role for microstructure in left white matter tracts for the development of mathematical skills. Moreover, the findings point to the involvement of different white matter tracts for numerical operations and mathematical reasoning. |
| DOI | 10.1097/WNR.0b013e328307f5c1 |
| Alternate Journal | Neuroreport |
| PubMed ID | 18596611 |
Related Institute:
Brain Health Imaging Institute (BHII)