Fetal Gyral Development

During the first half of gestation, the human fetal brain has a smooth surface.  At about 20 weeks gestation, the brain begins to form the bumps (gyri) and grooves (sulci) that are typical of the adult brain, averaging about 1 sulcus per week of gestation after 20 weeks.  The brain of this 25 week gestation... Continue Reading →

Dandy-Walker Malformation

Dandy-Walker malformation, an uncommon brain abnormality that may be seen in isolation or in association with other congenital abnormalities of brain development, is characterized by an enlarged posterior fossa, agenesis or hypoplasia of the cerebellar vermis, and cystic dilatation of the fourth ventricle.  In this case of a term infant with multiple congenital abnormalities, the superior most aspect of the... Continue Reading →

Premature Fetal Brain

The brain of a premature fetus, shown here (front of brain pointing to the left) is initially smooth in the early stages of development.  After about 20 weeks gestation, grooves develop in the cortical surface that gradually become more defined until they form well delineated gyri and sulci (i.e. bumps and grooves) typical of a mature brain.  The brain... Continue Reading →

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