Rhinal sulcus

Rhinal Sulcus

The Rhinal Sulcus is a notable structure found in the brain, specifically in the medial temporal lobe. It serves as a boundary between the neocortex and the allocortex. The term "rhinal" is derived from the Latin word "rhis," which means "nose." This etymology is due to the sulcus's proximity to the olfactory region of the brain.

Anatomy

The Rhinal Sulcus is located in the medial temporal lobe of the brain. It separates the parahippocampal gyrus from the fusiform gyrus. The sulcus is a shallow groove that marks the boundary between the neocortex and the allocortex. The neocortex is the part of the brain responsible for higher-order brain functions, while the allocortex is involved in functions related to smell and memory.

Function

The Rhinal Sulcus plays a crucial role in the brain's olfactory system. It is located near the olfactory bulb, which is responsible for processing smells. The sulcus also plays a role in memory, as it is near the hippocampus, a region of the brain that is crucial for memory formation.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in the Rhinal Sulcus can be indicative of certain neurological conditions. For example, a study found that the sulcus was significantly shallower in patients with Alzheimer's disease compared to healthy individuals. This suggests that changes in the Rhinal Sulcus could potentially serve as a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease.

See Also

• Sulcus (neuroanatomy)
• Medial Temporal Lobe
• Neocortex
• Allocortex

References

Rhinal sulcus Resources
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