Lateral sulcus

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

Synonyms: Sylvian fissure, Sylvische Fissur, Lateral cerebral sulcus

The lateral sulcus (Sylvian fissure) is an anatomically prominent sulcus that separates the temporal lobe from the overlying portions of the frontal lobe and the parietal lobe.

Historical

In 1663, Franciscus de la Boë (1614-1672), also known as Dr. Sylvius, described the lateral sulcus, which led to it being also known as the Sylvian fissure[^1].

Embryology

The lateral sulcus is formed by the growth of the operculum by the surrounding frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes[^2].

Anatomy

The lateral sulcus is a constant and prominent anatomical landmark, separating the temporal lobe from the frontal and parietal lobes. Alongside the parieto-occipital sulcus, the lateral sulcus is the only consistent sulcus[^2]. The lateral sulcus is divided into an anterior and a posterior portion between the precentral gyrus and postcentral gyrus.

Illustration

Lateral sulcus
Illustration of the lateral sulcus (marked in red).

Imaging

Lateral sulcus (Sylvian fissure) on MRI.
The lateral sulcus in sagittal MRI (red arrow) in a T1 MP-RAGE MRI sequence