Cognitive insights from tertiary sulci in prefrontal cortex

Tertiary sulci are shallow cortical folds that emerge late in gestation. Here the authors link prefrontal tertiary sulcal depth with reasoning scores in children and adolescents. The lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) is disproportionately expanded in humans compared to non-human primates, although the relationship between LPFC brain structures and uniquely human cognitive skills is largely unknown. Here, we test the relationship between variability in LPFC tertiary sulcal morphology and reasoning scores in a cohort of children and adolescents. Using a data-driven approach in independent discovery and replication samples, we show that the depth of specific LPFC tertiary sulci is associated with individual differences in reasoning scores beyond age. To expedite discoveries in future neuroanatomical-behavioral studies, we share tertiary sulcal definitions with the field. These findings support a classic but largely untested theory linking the protracted development of tertiary sulci to late-developing cognitive processes.

Automated summary

The depth of specific LPFC tertiary sulci is associated with individual differences in reasoning scores beyond age in children and adolescents, suggesting a relationship between the development of tertiary sulci and late-developing cognitive processes.