Abstract
Face-processing expertise within the core face network, including the fusiform face area, occipital face area, and superior temporal gyrus, does not reach maturity from a regional or functional connectivity perspective until mid-adolescence. However, there is virtually no data regarding the development of functional networks within the extended face network, including the amygdala, insula, inferior frontal gyrus, anterior temporal pole and parietal cortex, which tend to be activated in a task-specific fashion in adults. Recently, we presented findings from a simple viewing task suggesting that children do not modulate face-related activity within the extended network according to task needs, and instead hyperactivate the entire extended network (Haist, et al., 2011 VSS Meeting; manuscript under review). Here, we present findings from a novel functional connectivity analysis of 71 participants from that study spanning from 7- to 38-years-old. Functional networks across our entire sample were modeled using independent component analysis (ICA). Face-preferential (Faces > Objects) independent components (ICs) were identified through multiple regression analysis using the IC BOLD signal time courses; the leading such component included activation in the fusiform gyrus and nearly every component of the extended face network. Each individual’s activity corresponding to this IC was calculated and submitted to a regression against age, which showed that children hyperactivated the extended face-processing regions defined in this IC during the task. We subsequently analyzed the activity of this face network within resting-state data from these participants. Although the network was observable during rest, activation levels were similar for adults and children. These results show that modulation of activity within a coherent face network including the fusiform gyrus and extended face network undergoes protracted development. Furthermore, this network is engaged specifically during face viewing and is not ubiquitously hyperactivated in children. This is the first developmental study integrating task and resting-state functional connectivity measures.
Meeting abstract presented at VSS 2013