Brain, Meninges & CSF Anatomy
Sulcus
A sulcus is a groove or valley between the ridges on the surface of the brain.
In short: Sulcus
- Sulci separate the gyri.
- Their pattern reflects normal or abnormal brain folding.
- They are part of the brain's surface anatomy.
- An abnormal pattern can indicate a cortical malformation.
What it is
It is a groove on the brain's surface, separating the ridges (gyri). Together, gyri and sulci form the brain's folded surface.
Understanding Sulcus
The pattern of gyri and sulci reflects how the brain folded during development, which can be altered in associated malformations. An abnormal arrangement of sulci can be part of the imaging picture of conditions like polymicrogyria or lissencephaly that sometimes accompany encephalocele.
Why it matters
Understanding sulci helps families follow imaging descriptions of the brain's surface and recognize why the folding pattern is examined.
Common questions
What is a sulcus?
A groove between brain ridges.
What does it separate?
The gyri.
Why does the pattern matter?
It reflects normal or abnormal brain folding.
Bottom line
A sulcus is a groove between the brain's surface ridges, and its pattern reflects brain folding.
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