Gyri breves insulae

Gyri breves insulae are a series of short gyri located on the insula of the human brain. The insula, also known as the insular cortex, is a small region of the cerebral cortex located deep within the lateral sulcus, which separates the temporal lobe from the frontal lobe and parietal lobe. The gyri breves insulae, along with the gyri longi insulae, constitute the main cortical ridges found on the surface of the insula.

Structure

The gyri breves insulae are shorter and more numerous than the gyri longi insulae. They are located in the anterior part of the insula, closer to the frontal lobe. These gyri are separated by shallow sulci known as the sulci breves insulae. The arrangement of the gyri breves insulae contributes to the unique folded appearance of the insular cortex.

Function

The insula plays a crucial role in various functions, including emotion, homeostasis, and perception. It is involved in the processing of visceral sensations, emotional responses, and the integration of autonomic information. The specific functions of the gyri breves insulae are not entirely distinct from those of the insula as a whole, but their strategic location suggests a role in integrating sensory and emotional information from the frontal aspects of the brain.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the structure or function of the gyri breves insulae can be associated with several neurological and psychiatric conditions. For example, abnormalities in the insula have been linked to schizophrenia, autism, and anxiety disorders. The insula's role in processing pain and its emotional components also makes it a region of interest in studies on chronic pain.

See Also

• Cerebral cortex
• Lobes of the brain
• Sulcus (neuroanatomy)
• Neuroanatomy