Sulcus (neuroanatomy) in the context of "Gyrification"

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⭐ Core Definition: Sulcus (neuroanatomy)

In neuroanatomy, a sulcus (Latin: "furrow"; pl.: sulci) is a shallow depression or groove in the cerebral cortex. One or more sulci surround a gyrus (pl. gyri), a ridge on the surface of the cortex, creating the characteristic folded appearance of the brain in humans and most other mammals. The larger sulci are also called fissures. The cortex develops in the fetal stage of corticogenesis, preceding the cortical folding stage known as gyrification. The large fissures and main sulci are the first to develop.

Mammals that have a folded cortex are known as gyrencephalic, and the small-brained mammals that have a smooth cortex, such as rats and mice are termed lissencephalic.

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👉 Sulcus (neuroanatomy) in the context of Gyrification

Gyrification is the process of forming the characteristic folds of the cerebral cortex. The peak of such a fold is called a gyrus (pl. gyri), and its trough is called a sulcus (pl. sulci). The neurons of the cerebral cortex reside in a thin layer of gray matter, only 2–4 mm thick, at the surface of the brain. Much of the interior volume is occupied by white matter, which consists of long axonal projections to and from the cortical neurons residing near the surface. Gyrification allows a larger cortical surface area, and hence greater cognitive functionality to fit inside a smaller cranium.

In most mammals, gyrification begins during fetal development. Primates, cetaceans, and ungulates have extensive cortical gyri, with a few species exceptions, while small rodents such as the rat, and mouse have none. Gyrification in some animals, for example the ferret, continues well into postnatal life.

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Sulcus (neuroanatomy) in the context of Lobes of the brain

The lobes of the brain are the four major identifiable regions of the human cerebral cortex, and they comprise the surface of each hemisphere of the cerebrum. The two hemispheres are roughly symmetrical in structure, and are connected by the corpus callosum. Some sources include the insula and limbic lobe but the limbic lobe incorporates parts of the other lobes. The lobes are large areas that are anatomically distinguishable, and are also functionally distinct. Each lobe of the brain has numerous ridges, or gyri, and furrows, sulci that constitute further subzones of the cortex. The expression "lobes of the brain" usually refers only to those of the cerebrum, not to the distinct areas of the cerebellum.

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Sulcus (neuroanatomy) in the context of Frontal lobe

The frontal lobe is the largest lobe of the vertebrate brain and the most anterior lobe of the cerebral hemispheres. The anatomical groove known as the central sulcus separates the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe, and the deeper anatomical groove called the lateral sulcus separates the frontal lobe from the temporal lobe. The most anterior ventral, orbital end of the frontal lobe is known as the frontal pole, which is one of the three so-called poles of the cerebrum.

The outer, multifurrowed surface of the frontal lobe is called the frontal cortex. Like all cortical tissue, the frontal cortex is a thin layer of gray matter making up the outer portion of the brain. The frontal cortex is further subdivided into several anatomical and functional structures, including those of the motor cortex (the premotor cortex, the nonprimary motor cortex, the primary motor cortex) and the prefrontal cortex (e.g., the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex).

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Sulcus (neuroanatomy) in the context of Longitudinal fissure

The longitudinal fissure (or cerebral fissure, great longitudinal fissure, median longitudinal fissure, interhemispheric fissure) is the deep groove that separates the two cerebral hemispheres of the vertebrate brain. Lying within it is a continuation of the dura mater (one of the meninges) called the falx cerebri. The inner surfaces of the two hemispheres are convoluted by gyri and sulci just as is the outer surface of the brain.

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Sulcus (neuroanatomy) in the context of Gyri

In neuroanatomy, a gyrus (pl.: gyri) is a ridge on the cerebral cortex. It is generally surrounded by one or more sulci (depressions or furrows; sg.: sulcus). Gyri and sulci create the folded appearance of the brain in humans and other mammals.

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Sulcus (neuroanatomy) in the context of Central sulcus

In neuroanatomy, the central sulcus (also central fissure, fissure of Rolando, or Rolandic fissure, after Luigi Rolando) is a sulcus, or groove, in the cerebral cortex in the brains of vertebrates. It is sometimes confused with the longitudinal fissure.

The central sulcus is a prominent landmark of the brain, separating the parietal lobe from the frontal lobe and the primary motor cortex from the primary somatosensory cortex.

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Sulcus (neuroanatomy) in the context of Lateral sulcus

The lateral sulcus (or lateral fissure, also called Sylvian fissure, after Franciscus Sylvius) is the most prominent sulcus of each cerebral hemisphere in the human brain. The lateral sulcus is a deep fissure in each hemisphere that separates the frontal and parietal lobes from the temporal lobe. The insular cortex lies deep within the lateral sulcus.

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Sulcus (neuroanatomy) in the context of Calcarine sulcus

The calcarine sulcus (or calcarine fissure) is an anatomical landmark located at the caudal end of the medial surface of the brain of humans and other primates. Its name comes from the Latin "calcar" meaning "spur". It is very deep, and known as a complete sulcus.

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