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Home > Nervous System > Lateral sulcus

Lateral sulcus

Lateral sulcus - Definition

It is the name given to the deepest and largest indentation of the cortical sulci. It is one of the group of sulci and a most prominent brain section. It first arises around the 14th gestational week and originates earlier than all the other structures of the human brain. 

Lateral sulcus - History

The Dutch physician and scientist Franciscus Sylvius is accredited with the discovery of this brain section and thus, it owes its name to him. The structure was accurately painted for the first time by Girolamo Fabrici d’Acquapendente in the year 1600.

Lateral sulcus – Other Names

This brain section is also referred to as:
  • Fissure of Sylvius
  • Fissura Cerebri Lateralis
  • Lateral fissure 
  • Sylvian fissure
  • Sulcus lateralis
  • Lateral Cerebral Fissure

Lateral sulcus - Location

It can be found in both hemispheres of the brain. It is located at an area that is proximal to the Sylvian point, a region of the human skull that lies closest to the Sylvian fissure and 30 mm behind the Zygomatic process of frontal bone. 

Lateral sulcus - Appearance

It looks like a deep, large fissure or indentation. In the left brain hemisphere, it is observed as longer in size.

Lateral sulcus - Anatomy

The structure is constituted of numerous side branches. 

Lateral sulcus - Functions

This indentation keeps the parietal and the temporal lobes separated. It also contains vital structures, such as:
  • Transverse temporal gyri
  • Horizontal ramus of the lateral fissure
  • Ascending ramus of the lateral fissure

Lateral sulcus - Pictures

This brain section is properly exhibited through these images. 
Lateral sulcus Picture
Lateral sulcus Image
Sources:

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/lateral+sulcus
https://www.reference.com/science/lateral-sulcus-3e715f38fe5842b9
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/lateral_sulcus
http://www.medilexicon.com/medicaldictionary.php?t=86396

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