THE SULCAL PATTERNS OF THE OCCIPITO-TEMPORAL AND ANTERIOR CINGULATE CORTICES INFLUENCE READING AND WRITING IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS

A Cachia, C Dupont, S Palmis , I Menu, G Auzias, J Sein, O Coulon, M Longcamp

Abstract: This study explores how the morphology of the left occipito-temporal sulcus (OTS) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) relates to reading and writing abilities. The OTS, which houses the visual word form area, and the ACC, involved in cognitive control, are key regions for literacy. Structural MRI scans from 38 children (ages 8-11) and23 adults (ages 20-40) were analyzed to identify sulcal patterns. Reading and writing (spelling and graphomotor) performance was assessed using standardized tests indexing both accuracy and speed. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that the left posterior OTS was associated with reading scores in both children and adults, and with graphomotor scores in children only. The anterior OTS and right hemisphere OTS also contributed to reading and writing outcomes. ACC asymmetry was linked to graphomotor performance in both age groups, highlighting its role in writing development. Since sulcal patterns are established prenatally and remain stable over time, the findings suggest that differences in literacy may partly originate from early brain development, alongside the neuroplastic effects of education and socioeconomic factors. This research underscores the interplay between early brain development, literacy, and the neuroplasticity shaped by learning experiences throughout life.

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