Transverse occipital sulcus

Transverse Occipital Sulcus

File:Gray726 occipital sulcus.png

Illustration of the Transverse Occipital Sulcus

The Transverse Occipital Sulcus is a sulcus, or groove, in the human brain located in the occipital lobe. It is one of the many sulci that contribute to the complex folded structure of the brain's cerebral cortex, which allows for increased surface area and consequently higher cognitive function.

Anatomy

The Transverse Occipital Sulcus is found on the external surface of the occipital lobe, running approximately horizontally. It separates the superior occipital gyrus from the middle occipital gyrus. The sulcus is variable in its course and may be single or multiple, continuous or interrupted.

Function

The exact function of the Transverse Occipital Sulcus is not fully understood. However, it is known that the occipital lobe, where the sulcus is located, is primarily responsible for visual processing. Therefore, it is likely that the Transverse Occipital Sulcus plays a role in this function.

Clinical Significance

While the Transverse Occipital Sulcus itself is not typically associated with specific diseases or conditions, abnormalities in the sulci and gyri of the brain can be indicative of certain neurological disorders. For example, changes in the size, depth, or number of sulci can be a sign of conditions such as schizophrenia or Alzheimer's disease.

See Also

• Sulcus (neuroanatomy)
• Occipital lobe
• Cerebral cortex