Precentral sulcus

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File:Cerebral Hemisphere Demonstration - Sanjoy Sanyal - Neuroscience Lab Fall 2013 (cropped 4m51s to 5m20s) - Precentral sulcus.webm Precentral sulcus is a prominent sulcus (groove) in the human brain located in the frontal lobe, immediately anterior to the precentral gyrus. The precentral gyrus is known for its role in motor control, housing the primary motor cortex which is responsible for the initiation of voluntary muscle movements. The precentral sulcus serves as an important landmark in neuroanatomy, separating the precentral gyrus from the rest of the frontal lobe structures, such as the superior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, and inferior frontal gyrus.

Structure

The precentral sulcus runs parallel to the central sulcus, which is another significant sulcus that separates the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe. The central sulcus itself lies posterior to the precentral gyrus. The precentral sulcus is part of a larger system of sulci and gyri that organize the brain's surface into distinct functional and anatomical areas. Its position and relation to the central sulcus are crucial for identifying the layout of the motor and sensory cortices in the brain.

Function

While the precentral sulcus does not directly participate in motor function, its role as a landmark helps neurologists and neurosurgeons identify the boundaries of the primary motor cortex. The primary motor cortex is essential for planning, controlling, and executing voluntary movements. The precise mapping of the motor cortex, with each section controlling different parts of the body, is delineated by its proximity to the precentral sulcus.

Clinical Significance

Knowledge of the precentral sulcus's location is vital in neurosurgical procedures, such as those aiming to treat epilepsy, brain tumors, and other conditions affecting the motor cortex. Its identification helps in avoiding damage to critical motor areas during surgery. Additionally, understanding its structure is important in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions that impair motor function.

See Also

• Central sulcus
• Cerebral cortex
• Frontal lobe
• Motor cortex
• Neuroanatomy