Pronunciation: [fˈɪʃəɹə sˈɪlvɪˌa͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The term "fissura Silvii" refers to a narrow, slit-like groove in the brain. The word is derived from Latin, and is spelled with two "s" letters in "fissura" and "Silvii". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as [fɪˈsuːrə ˈsɪlvi], with emphasis on the first syllable of "fissura". The combination of two "s" letters in the middle of the word creates a hissing sound, which is unique to the English language.
"Fissura Silvii" refers to a prominent anatomical fissure in the human brain, known as the Sylvian fissure in English. It is named after the 16th-century anatomist Jacques Sylvius, who discovered this distinct groove in the cerebral cortex.
The fissura Silvii is located on the lateral surface of the brain, extending horizontally in an anteroposterior direction. It separates the frontal and parietal lobes of the cerebrum from the temporal lobe. This deep sulcus marks a significant landmark in brain anatomy as it demarcates important functional areas and plays a crucial role in neural communication.
The fissura Silvii holds great significance in brain physiology and neurology. It acts as a border between different lobes, allowing for the passage of major blood vessels and nerves that supply these regions. Its presence enables distinct regions of the brain to specialize in specific functions, contributing to higher cognitive abilities, language comprehension and production, sensory processing, and motor control. Additionally, the fissure provides additional surface area, enabling more complex connections and interactions within the brain.
Understanding the anatomy and function of the fissura Silvii is essential for the precise localization of brain lesions, planning neurosurgery, and diagnosing neurological conditions such as strokes, tumors, and epileptic foci. Its intricate structure and function make it a crucial landmark in the study of the human brain and its intricate network of neural connections.
F. Cerebri lateralis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "fissura Silvii" is derived from Latin. "Fissura" means "fissure" or "cleft", and "Silvii" refers to the Sylvian fissure.
The Sylvian fissure, also known as the lateral sulcus or lateral fissure, is an important anatomical feature in the brain that separates the frontal and parietal lobes from the temporal lobe. The name "Sylvian" comes from Franciscus Sylvius (1614-1672), a Dutch physician and anatomist who first described this fissure in detail.
