New Insights into Separation Patterns: A Volumetric and Metabolic Perspective

This study investigates the relationship of specific brain regions with pattern separation, pattern completion, and visual processing speed, along with their relationships with basal metabolic markers like cortisol and glucose. Three-dimensional MR images from 39 medical students were analyzed on volbrain.net. Cortisol and glucose levels were measured in morning fasting blood samples. Participants underwent tests for pattern separation, pattern completion, and visual processing speed. There was a positive correlation between the pattern separation test score and the left anterior and middle cingulate gyrus volumes (r = 0.400, p = 0.012; r = 0.355, p = 0.026, respectively). The right and left thalamus volumes positively correlated with the pattern completion test score (r = 0.336, p = 0.046; r = 0.321, p = 0.046, respectively). Visual Search Response Latency was negatively correlated with the right precuneus volume (r = −0.455, p = 0.045). The pattern separation test score and blood cortisol levels were positively correlated (r = 0.572, p = 0.032). The role of extrahippocampal regions, specifically the Papez circuit elements such as the cingulate gyrus and amygdala, in pattern separation and completion is highlighted in this work.