Sagittal sulcus

Sagittal Sulcus is a structure found in the brain, specifically in the cerebral cortex. It is a groove or furrow that runs in the sagittal plane, which is a vertical plane that divides the body into right and left halves. The sagittal sulcus is one of many sulci (plural of sulcus) that give the brain its characteristic wrinkled appearance.

Etymology

The term "sagittal" comes from the Latin word "sagitta", which means "arrow". This is because the sagittal plane is so named due to its resemblance to an arrow when viewed from the side. The term "sulcus" comes from the Latin word for "groove" or "furrow".

Anatomy

The sagittal sulcus is located in the medial part of the brain, running along the midline. It separates the two cerebral hemispheres. The sagittal sulcus is part of the larger system of sulci and gyri (ridges) that make up the surface of the brain. These structures increase the surface area of the brain, allowing for a greater number of neurons and thus greater cognitive abilities.

Function

The sagittal sulcus, like other sulci, does not have a specific function per se. Rather, it is part of the overall structure of the brain that allows for complex cognitive processes. The neurons located in the area of the sagittal sulcus, like those in other areas of the brain, are involved in various aspects of cognition, including memory, attention, and perception.

Related Terms

• Cerebral cortex: The outer layer of the brain, where the sagittal sulcus is located.
• Gyri: The ridges between sulci in the brain.
• Medial: Pertaining to the middle or center; the sagittal sulcus is located in the medial part of the brain.
• Neurons: The cells that make up the brain and nervous system.
• Sulci: The grooves or furrows in the brain, of which the sagittal sulcus is one.

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