Sulcus

Sulcus is a term used in anatomy to describe a groove, furrow, or trench. In the context of brain anatomy, a sulcus (plural sulci) is a depression or groove in the cerebral cortex. It surrounds a gyrus (plural gyri), creating the characteristic folded appearance of the brain in humans and other mammals.

Types of Sulci

There are numerous sulci present in the brain, each with its own specific name and location. Some of the most notable include:

• Central Sulcus - This sulcus separates the frontal lobe and the parietal lobe.
• Lateral Sulcus - Also known as the Sylvian fissure, this sulcus divides the frontal and parietal lobes from the temporal lobe.
• Parieto-occipital Sulcus - This sulcus separates the parietal and occipital lobes.
• Calcarine Sulcus - Located in the occipital lobe, this sulcus is part of the primary visual cortex.
• Cingulate Sulcus - This sulcus separates the cingulate cortex from the rest of the brain.

Function

The sulci and gyri increase the surface area of the brain, allowing for increased cognitive function and processing. Each sulcus also serves to divide the brain into lobes, each of which has different functions.

See Also

• Gyrus
• Cerebral cortex
• Brain