cortical thickness
Quantitative measure of the distance between the gray matter-white matter boundary and the pial surface, typically measured using high-resolution T1-weighted MRI.
Full Definition
Cortical thickness represents a morphometric measure of cerebral cortex thickness, calculated as the perpendicular distance between the gray-white matter interface and the pial surface. This measurement requires high-resolution structural MRI, typically T1-weighted imaging with submillimeter voxels. Automated segmentation algorithms like FreeSurfer reconstruct cortical surfaces and compute thickness at thousands of vertices across the cortex. Normal cortical thickness varies by brain region (1.5-4.5mm) and is influenced by age, sex, and genetics. Reduced cortical thickness is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders, and normal aging. The measure provides sensitive biomarkers for disease progression and treatment effects in longitudinal studies.
Usage
Usage note: Specify measurement method (FreeSurfer, CIVET, etc.) in technical descriptions.
In Context
- "Cortical thickness analysis revealed significant thinning in bilateral temporal regions compared to controls." — Alzheimer disease research
- "The longitudinal study tracked cortical thickness changes over 24 months of disease progression." — Clinical trial documentation