The basisylvian fissure is a significant feature of the human brain's anatomy. It separates the temporal lobe from the frontal and parietal lobes. The spelling of this word can be explained through the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): /beɪsɪˈsɪlviən ˈfɪʃər/. The "basi-" prefix refers to the base or bottom of a structure, and "sylvian" originates from the Latin word "sylvius," meaning "of the forest." The "fissure" aspect of the word indicates a narrow opening or division, making the term descriptive of its anatomical location and structure.
The basisylvian fissure is a prominent anatomical landmark that refers to a deep groove located in the cerebral cortex of the brain. It is specifically found within the lateral sulcus, which is a major fissure separating the frontal lobe and temporal lobe of the cerebral hemispheres.
The fissure is named based on its position and course. "Basi-" indicates its location at the basal (bottom) part of the cerebral hemispheres, while "sylvian" refers to its association with the Sylvian fissure (also known as the lateral sulcus). Together, the term "basisylvian fissure" describes the specific location and relationship of this fissure within the brain.
The basisylvian fissure divides various regions of the cerebral cortex and is involved in separating specific functional areas within the brain. It plays a crucial role in the organization and communication of sensory and motor information, particularly between the frontal and temporal lobes.
This anatomical landmark is of significant importance in the study of neurology and neurosurgery, as lesions or anomalies in the basisylvian fissure can lead to various neurological disorders. By understanding the structure and function of the basisylvian fissure, researchers and medical professionals can gain valuable insights into brain development, processing of information, and potential pathological conditions affecting this region.
Vallecula Sylvii, the portion of the Sylvian fissure between the orbital surface of the frontal lobe and the temporal lobe.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "basisylvian fissure" has its origins in both Latin and Greek.
The term "fissure" comes from the Latin word "fissura", which means "a split" or "a cleft". It refers to a narrow opening or groove that occurs naturally in various structures of the body.
The word "basisylvian" is a combination of two parts: "basi-" and "sylvian". "Basi-" comes from the Latin word "basis", meaning "base" or "foundation". "Sylvian" is derived from the Latin word "Sylvius", the Latinized form of the name Jacques Dubois, a French anatomist from the 16th century.
Thus, the "basisylvian fissure" is a specific anatomical fissure located at the base or foundation of the Sylvian fissure.