Sulci

Definition

Sulci are the grooves or furrows on the surface of the brain, which help to increase its surface area. They play a crucial role in dividing the brain into different lobes and regions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sulci are found between gyri, which are the raised portions of the brain's surface.
2. The central sulcus separates the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe.
3. The lateral sulcus divides the frontal and parietal lobes from the temporal lobe.
4. Deep sulci are referred to as fissures and include structures like the longitudinal fissure that separates the two cerebral hemispheres.
5. Sulci help maximize cortical area within the limited volume of the skull, allowing for more neurons and complex brain functions.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of sulci in the brain?
• Which major sulcus separates the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe?
• How do deep sulci, or fissures, contribute to brain anatomy?

Related terms

Gyri: Raised ridges between sulci on the cerebral cortex that increase surface area for cognitive functions

Fissures: Deep grooves in the brain that separate large regions or lobes of the brain

Cerebral Cortex:

The outer layer of neural tissue covering the cerebrum involved in high-level functions such as sensory perception and decision making