Age-related increases in long-range connectivity in fetal functional neural connectivity networks in utero.

ABSTRACT: Formation of operational neural networks is one of the most significant accomplishments of human fetal brain growth. Recent advances in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have made it possible to obtain information about brain function during fetal development. Specifically, resting-state fMRI and novel signal covariation approaches have opened up a new avenue for non-invasive assessment of neural functional connectivity (FC) before birth. Early studies in this area have unearthed new insights about principles of prenatal brain function. However, very little is known about the emergence and maturation of neural networks during fetal life. Here, we obtained cross-sectional rs-fMRI data from 39 fetuses between 24 and 38 weeks postconceptual age to examine patterns of connectivity a

SUBMITTER: Thomason ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4532276 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature