Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Ellis, Meredith

Abstract

Microcephaly is neurological condition within which the brain fails to develop to a normal size resulting in the appearance of a smaller head. Microcephaly often accompanies various neurodevelopmental disorders. The corpus callosum is the largest white matter structure in the brain, comprised primarily of heavily myelinated axons. The corpus callosum connects the left and right hemisphere and allows for communication to occur between hemispheres. Using MRI measurements from a sample of 18 microcephalic patients, I analyzed whether the corpus callosum was impacted as a result of microcephaly. When compared to normocephalic controls, the corpus callosum was generally smaller in relation to overall cerebral hemispheric volume, suggesting that white matter brain tissues may be affected by microcephaly. A deeper understanding of the brain through research on the underlying mechanisms responsible for brain evolution and development is critical to our ability to detect, treat and prevent neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.

Extent

82 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2019.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00013307

Format

pdf

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