Sulcus centralis

Sulcus Centralis (also known as the Central Sulcus or Fissure of Rolando) is a prominent landmark of the brain's cerebral cortex. It separates the frontal lobe and the parietal lobe, two of the brain's four lobes.

Anatomy

The Sulcus Centralis runs downwards and forwards from the top of the brain, starting near the longitudinal fissure that separates the two cerebral hemispheres. It ends above the lateral sulcus (Sylvian fissure), which delineates the temporal lobe.

The Central Sulcus is bordered by two important gyri: the precentral gyrus anteriorly and the postcentral gyrus posteriorly. These gyri are crucial for motor control and sensory information processing, respectively.

Function

The Sulcus Centralis plays a key role in separating functional areas of the brain. The precentral gyrus, located in front of the Central Sulcus, is the primary motor cortex responsible for voluntary movement control. The postcentral gyrus, located behind the Central Sulcus, is the primary somatosensory cortex, which processes sensory information from the body.

Clinical Significance

Due to its location and the important functional areas it borders, damage to the area around the Central Sulcus can lead to significant neurological deficits. These can include motor control loss or sensory processing issues, depending on the exact location and extent of the damage.

See Also

• Brain
• Cerebral Cortex
• Frontal Lobe
• Parietal Lobe
• Precentral Gyrus
• Postcentral Gyrus