Sulcus centralis

Sulcus centralis

Last edited and medically reviewed by Alaric Steinmetz on 23.04.2023

Synonyms: Central sulcus

The sulcus centralis lies between the gyrus precentralis and the gyrus postcentralis and separates the parietal lobe (lobus parietalis) from the frontal lobe (lobus frontalis). In neurosurgery, it is considered a particularly important anatomical landmark because of its direct relationship to the gyrus precentralis.

Figure

Central sulcus — Illustration of the central sulcus (marked in blue) in an anatomical drawing by Sobotta (Figure 628).

Imaging

Central sulcus MRI — Visualization of the central sulcus (red arrow) on a T2-weighted axial MRI image.

Central Sulcus on Sagittal MRI — Sagittal MRI of the skull with the central sulcus marked (red arrow).

Identification on the skull

The sulcus centralis is located approximately 5cm posterior to the sutura coronalis.

Identification on MRI

Correct identification of the sulcus centralis on MRI imaging is important for planning surgical approaches to lesions.

Axial MRI

There are various signs for identifying the sulcus centralis on axial MRI.

Bracket sign for identification of the central sulcus — Axial T1 MRI with the bracket sign outlined in blue, representing the marginal sulcus. The bracket sign represents the extensions of the cingulate sulcus, referred to as the marginal ramus or marginal sulcus. The central sulcus is located directly anterior to the bracket sign (marked in red).

L-sign of the central sulcus — Visualization of the L-sign (marked in blue) on axial MRI.

Sagittal MRI

On the sagittal MRI image, the sulcus centralis is located directly anterior to the sulcus cinguli.

Cingulate Sulcus and Central Sulcus on MRI — Visualization of the cingulate sulcus (blue) and central sulcus (red) on a sagittal MRI image.