Superior longitudinal fasciculus

A bundle of axons in the brain

Superior longitudinal fasciculus

Latin	fasciculus longitudinalis superior
Part of	Cerebral white matter
System	Central nervous system

The superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) is a bundle of axons that is located in the brain. It is one of the major white matter tracts and plays a crucial role in connecting different regions of the cerebral cortex. The SLF is involved in various cognitive functions, including language, attention, and memory.

Anatomy

The superior longitudinal fasciculus is divided into four main parts: SLF I, SLF II, SLF III, and the arcuate fasciculus. Each part connects different cortical areas:

• SLF I connects the superior frontal gyrus to the parietal lobe.
• SLF II connects the frontal lobe to the angular gyrus.
• SLF III connects the inferior frontal gyrus to the supramarginal gyrus.
• The arcuate fasciculus connects the Broca's area in the frontal lobe to the Wernicke's area in the temporal lobe.

Function

The superior longitudinal fasciculus is essential for various higher-order cognitive functions. It facilitates communication between different cortical regions, enabling complex processes such as:

• Language processing
• Attention
• Memory
• Spatial awareness

Clinical Significance

Damage to the superior longitudinal fasciculus can result in various neurological deficits. For example, lesions in the arcuate fasciculus are associated with conduction aphasia, a condition characterized by the inability to repeat words despite intact comprehension and fluent speech.

Imaging

The superior longitudinal fasciculus can be visualized using advanced neuroimaging techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). These techniques help in studying the integrity and connectivity of white matter tracts in both healthy and diseased states.

See also

• Inferior longitudinal fasciculus
• Uncinate fasciculus
• Cingulum (brain)
• Corpus callosum