Lateral sulci

Lateral sulci (also known as the Sylvian fissure or lateral fissure) is one of the most prominent structures in the human brain. It separates the frontal lobe and parietal lobe above from the temporal lobe below.

Anatomy

The lateral sulci begins at the base of the brain in the temporal lobe, and runs laterally and upwards, ending in the parietal lobe. It is one of the earliest-developing sulci of the human brain. It is an important reference point in neuroanatomy, as it divides the cerebral hemispheres into lobes.

Function

The lateral sulci plays a crucial role in separating brain regions within the cerebral cortex, each of which is involved in distinct neurological functions. The frontal lobe is associated with executive functions including self-control, planning, reasoning, and abstract thought, while the parietal lobe processes sensory information it receives from the outside world, primarily relating to touch, taste, and temperature. The temporal lobe is involved in processing sensory input and assigning it emotional meaning, as well as storing memories.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities or damage to the lateral sulci can lead to a variety of neurological or psychological conditions. For example, a stroke affecting this area can cause language and speech disorders, as the lateral sulci is close to Broca's area and Wernicke's area, both crucial for language.

See also

• Sulcus (neuroanatomy)
• Cerebral cortex
• Frontal lobe
• Parietal lobe
• Temporal lobe