Brain, Meninges & CSF Anatomy
Gyrus
A gyrus is a ridge or fold on the surface of the brain.
In short: Gyrus
- Abnormal folding patterns can be part of associated brain malformations.
- Gyri are separated by grooves called sulci.
- Folding gives the brain its wrinkled appearance.
- The folding pattern reflects normal or abnormal development.
What it is
It is a ridge on the brain's surface. The ridges (gyri) and grooves (sulci) together give the brain its characteristic wrinkled appearance.
Understanding Gyrus
Malformations of brain folding, such as too many small folds (polymicrogyria) or too few (lissencephaly), can accompany encephalocele. Because the folding pattern reflects how the brain developed, an abnormal pattern can be a clue to an associated cortical malformation that imaging will characterize.
Why it matters
Understanding gyri helps families interpret imaging descriptions of the brain's surface and see why an abnormal folding pattern can be significant.
Common questions
What is a gyrus?
A ridge on the brain's surface.
What separates gyri?
Grooves called sulci.
Can the folding pattern be abnormal?
Yes — for example, in polymicrogyria or lissencephaly.
Bottom line
A gyrus is a surface ridge of the brain, and abnormal folding can accompany encephalocele.
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