Cingulate sulcus

Cingulate Sulcus

The cingulate sulcus is a prominent anatomical feature of the human brain. It is a deep groove, or sulcus, that separates the cingulate gyrus from the superior frontal gyrus. The cingulate sulcus is part of the limbic system, a complex system of nerves and networks in the brain that controls basic emotions and drives.

Anatomy

The cingulate sulcus begins near the corpus callosum, a thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres. It runs in a curved path along the medial surface of each hemisphere, following the curve of the corpus callosum. The cingulate sulcus is divided into three parts: the anterior cingulate sulcus, the intermediate cingulate sulcus, and the posterior cingulate sulcus.

Function

The cingulate sulcus is associated with many important cognitive functions. It plays a role in emotion processing, attention, working memory, and conflict resolution. The anterior part of the cingulate sulcus is particularly involved in emotional processing, while the posterior part is involved in spatial orientation and memory.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the cingulate sulcus have been linked to several neurological and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. Research has shown that individuals with these disorders often have a smaller or less well-defined cingulate sulcus compared to healthy individuals.

See also

• Brain
• Neuroanatomy
• Limbic system
• Sulcus