Final answer:
MRI scans of individuals with schizophrenia often reveal anatomical differences, such as reduced gray and white matter volume in the cortex, total brain volume reduction, hippocampal and thalamic shrinkage, and enlarged ventricles.
Step-by-step explanation:
One notable difference in the brains of people with schizophrenia, as seen on MRI scans, is the presence of anatomical abnormalities. Specifically, there are often reductions in the volume of certain brain regions, including both gray and white matter in the cerebral cortex. These structural changes may underlie some of the cognitive and functional impairments observed in schizophrenia.
Studies have consistently found reductions in total brain volume, as well as in the hippocampus and thalamus. Furthermore, ventricle enlargement is also a common finding, indicating a loss of brain tissue in nearby regions. These anatomical abnormalities, along with disruptions in neurotransmitter systems like dopamine and glutamate, contribute to the complex clinical presentation of schizophrenia.