What is the Origin of Cortical Thickness?

The term combines "cortical," relating to the cortex, which is Latin for "bark" or "husk," and "thickness," a straightforward measure of depth. The ability to precisely measure this parameter in living humans emerged with the development of high-resolution structural neuroimaging techniques, particularly advanced MRI and sophisticated computational analysis algorithms in the late 20th century. Earlier studies relied on post-mortem examination, but modern technology allows for longitudinal tracking of brain structural changes.

What is the Mechanism of Cortical Thickness?

Cortical thickness is primarily maintained by the density of neurons, dendrites, axons, and glial cells within the gray matter. Its reduction, or atrophy, is a common feature of aging and certain diseases, often resulting from dendritic shrinkage, loss of synapses, or decreased myelination. Hormonal mechanisms influence this metric, as steroid hormones like estrogen and testosterone interact with receptors in the cortex to modulate neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and blood flow, thereby supporting the structural integrity and maintenance of cortical depth.

Cortical Thickness

Meaning

Cortical thickness is a quantitative measurement representing the depth of the cerebral cortex, the outermost layer of the brain responsible for higher-order functions like memory, language, and consciousness. This metric is a key neuroanatomical biomarker, typically assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and is highly sensitive to physiological and pathological changes. Clinically, variations in cortical thickness are associated with normal aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and can be influenced by endocrine factors such as circulating sex steroids and stress hormones.

$A fractured branch displays raw wood, representing hormonal imbalance and metabolic dysfunction. Resilient lichen and moss signify cellular repair and endocrine recovery, illustrating the patient journey towards hormone optimization.$