The sulcus centralis is an area in the cerebrum of the human brain. It is a furrow located between the precentral gyrus and the postcentral gyrus. Thus, it separates the frontal from the parietal lobes.
What is the sulcus centralis?
The sulcus centralis is referred to as the central furrow. It is a groove that separates different regions around human brain. Thus, the central sulcus is a part of the central nervous system. Following its name, it represents a central role. The human brain is divided into two halves. These are in turn subdivided into four further regions. In the frontal area of the cerebral cortex is the frontal lobe. This passes approximately in the middle of the skullcap into the parietal lobe. This transition is formed by the sulcus centralis. It separates the motor cortex from the somatosensory cortex. Thus, it separates the precentral gyrus from the postcentral gyrus. The precentral gyrus is where movement control takes place. The postcentral gyrus is important for perception and somatosensory processing. The sulcus centralis runs transversely and is also connected to the hemispheric fissure. This is the longitudinal groove of the human brain, also known as the interhemispheric fissure. The sulcus centralis was first described in 1786. This was done by the French physician Vicq d’Azyr.
Anatomy and structure
In medicine, a sulcus is a groove or furrow in the brain. As a central groove, the sulcus centralis is a very long groove within the human brain. The cerebrum is externally divided into two hemispheres separated by the fissura longitudinalis cerebri. These are the left and right hemispheres of the brain. They are connected by the bar, the corpus callosum. Both hemispheres can be divided into four lobes. These are the frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital lobes. The frontal lobe, also called lobus frontalis, begins at the frontal pole of the brain. This is also called the frontal pole. The frontal lobe ends posteriorly at the sulcus centralis. The lobus paracentralis wraps around the sulcus centralis. This is the transition from the precentral gyrus to the postcentral gyrus. It represents the boundary between the frontal and parietal lobes. The primary somatosensory cortex extends in the cerebral convolutions. It begins anteriorly at the sulcus centralis and ends in the sulcus lateralis. The sulcus centralis runs transversely on both sides. It is located on the brain surface.
Function and tasks
Sulci basically have the task of separating different regions or convolutions in the human brain. Various sulci run through all areas of the cerebral cortex to separate brain areas from one another. The paths of the grooves are mostly transverse and curved. They adapt to the structures and size of the surrounding tissue. They have a characteristic appearance. This is wavy and uneven. The sulcus centralis is characterized by its size. It is a central furrow that is particularly large or long. The sulci centralis thus offers possibilities of evasion during movements of the tissue within the brain structures. Thus, if swelling or hemorrhage should occur, it can be accommodated in a furrow. The sulcus centralis is one of the most important sulci. It clearly separates the frontal from the parietal lobes. This demarcation allows a visual separation of brain regions. In addition, a functional separation takes place here. When investigating the cause of complaints, the sulcus centralis helps by its function of demarcation. Within surgical interventions, the furrow has an important task. Through it, the surgeon can recognize and use a clean separation of tissue structures. The precentral gyrus processes motor function, while the postcentral gyrus processes sensation. This clear demarcation of the different functions is carried out by the sulcus centralis in terms of both content and appearance. The complex structures of the human brain mean that some functions cannot be clearly separated. Here, however, a delineation and demarcation by the central sulcus is possible. This is important in making diagnoses as well as in surgical procedures.
Diseases
Disorders and lesions within the human skull have various causes.Most are brought on in everyday life by falls, bruises or accidents. Lesions can result in bleeding, which in turn causes brain swelling. Since the predetermined shape of the skull means that the tissue has few options for evasion, a lack of space quickly occurs. The consequences are often headaches or a feeling of pressure. In severe cases, permanent hemorrhages can occur, which can trigger strokes, epilepsy or impaired consciousness. The development of tumors in the brain also lead to spatial restrictions with corresponding complaints. In addition, there is the danger that tumor cells can detach and be transported via the blood to another part of the human organism. There, new metastases can form. Lesions of the precentral gyrus result in motor deficits. Voluntary motor function is impaired or has deficits. Lesions of the postcentral gyrus result in severe limitation in the sensation of touch. Pressure, temperature and pain can no longer be felt to a sufficient extent. This can have life-threatening consequences in everyday life. In addition, the lesions can lead to a local loss of perception. Some complaints can be traced back to nerve damage. In most cases, these are inflammations.
