Abstract #0635

Gadian D

Developmental plasticity may be defined as the ability of cells or tissue to develop in response to their environment. The transition from fetal to postnatal life constitutes a major change in environment, and if this occurs prematurely, then in response it can be expected that there may be a different developmental trajectory from that associated with term birth. It is becoming more widely appreciated that such differences may have a strong influence on long-term health. This presentation focuses on the role that MRI can play in understanding how prematurity impacts on brain structure and function.