Geometric Shape Scaling Factors for the Pediatric Brain Based on Morphometric Analysis

More brain structure specific scaling factors are needed to create more accurate models of the pediatric population for injury prevention research. This study examines the internal structure of the brain using the common imaging modality of magnetic resonance imaging to collect data on subjects ranging in age from newborn to 21 years old. This data set was then analyzed using geometric morphometrics to quantify the shape change of the measured structures. From this analysis geometric scaling factors for each structure were determined. The accuracy of parametric models of the head will be improved by using these structure specific scaling factors.