Definition

Noun: - Central sulcus: A prominent groove or furrow on the lateral surface of each cerebral hemisphere of the brain. It is a key anatomical landmark that separates the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe.

Usage Notes

• The term "sulcus centralis" is the Latin anatomical name, commonly used in medical and scientific contexts. In general English neuroscience texts, it is most frequently referred to as the central sulcus.
• It is a specific type of sulcus (a groove), which is deeper than a gyrus (a ridge).
• Its primary function is as a structural boundary. The precentral gyrus (immediately in front of it) is the primary motor cortex, and the postcentral gyrus (immediately behind it) is the primary somatosensory cortex.

Examples

• In an anatomy textbook: "The sulcus centralis is one of the earliest-developing cortical grooves in the human brain."
• In a lecture: "Damage to the cortex just anterior to the central sulcus can result in motor deficits."
• In a research paper: "The fMRI activity was localized to the region posterior to the sulcus centralis."

Advanced Usage

• "The central sulcus of Rolando": This is an alternative historical name, acknowledging the Italian anatomist Luigi Rolando. It is used in more detailed historical or anatomical discussions.
  • Example: "The central sulcus of Rolando is a critical landmark for neurosurgeons."

Variants and Related Words

• Central sulcus: The standard English term.
• Fissure of Rolando: A less common synonym, though "fissure" typically describes a very deep sulcus.
• Sulcus (plural: sulci): The general term for a groove or furrow on the surface of the brain.
• Gyrus (plural: gyri): The general term for a ridge or convolution on the brain's surface, located between sulci.

Synonyms

• Central sulcus (primary synonym)
• Fissure of Rolando (historical synonym)

Related Anatomical Structures (Not Phrasal Verbs)

• Precentral gyrus: The ridge located immediately in front of (anterior to) the central sulcus; the primary motor cortex.
• Postcentral gyrus: The ridge located immediately behind (posterior to) the central sulcus; the primary somatosensory cortex.
• Frontal lobe: The brain lobe anterior to the central sulcus.
• Parietal lobe: The brain lobe posterior to the central sulcus.

Noun

1. a brain fissure extending upward on the lateral surface of both hemispheres; separates the frontal and parietal lobes