SEX-DIFFERENCES AND LATERALIZATION IN TEMPORAL-LOBE GLUCOSE-METABOLISM DURING MATHEMATICAL REASONING

Positron Emission Tomography with [F-18]deoxyglucose was used to compa re brain activation in men and women while they performed mathematical reasoning. Right greater than left-hemisphere activation was predicte d, especially in temporal lobes. Forty-four participants were selected and matched for high or average Scholastic Aptitude Test-Math scores. There were no sex differences in cortical glucose metabolic rate (GMR ). However, GMR in temporal lobe regions was positively correlated wit h math reasoning score in men but not in women. The temporal lobes, bi laterally, are implicated in math reasoning ability for men; no specif ic cortical areas were related to math reasoning performance in women.