The term "Sulcus Centralis" is a Latin medical term used to describe the central sulcus in the brain that separates the frontal and parietal lobes. The word is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription system as /ˈsʌlkəs ˌsɛnˈtrælɪs/ (sull-kus sen-tral-iss). This indicates that the word is pronounced with stress on the second syllable, with a short "u" sound in the first syllable, and the second syllable containing a reduced vowel. Proper spelling and pronunciation are essential in the medical field to ensure clear communication and avoid errors.
The term "Sulcus Centralis" refers to a prominent groove that is present in the human brain, specifically in the cerebral cortex. Also known as the central sulcus or the fissure of Rolando, it is one of the most prominent anatomical landmarks that separates the frontal and parietal lobes of the cerebral cortex. This sulcus is a deep indentation that extends laterally from the midline of the brain, running approximately in an anterior-posterior direction.
Functionally, the sulcus centralis acts as a demarcation line between the primary motor cortex (located in the frontal lobe) and the primary sensory cortex (located in the parietal lobe). This division represents an important boundary between the regions of the brain responsible for voluntary motor actions, such as movement of muscles, and those involved in processing various sensory information, like touch, pain, and temperature.
The sulcus centralis has crucial implications in our ability to control and perceive sensations in different parts of the body. As a result, it plays a fundamental role in motor and sensory integration within the central nervous system. By separating these functionally distinct areas, the sulcus centralis allows for efficient and organized processing of motor and sensory information throughout the brain.
Central s., fissure of Rolando, a fissure running obliquely upward and backward on the lateral surface of each cerebral hemisphere, between the frontal and parietal lobes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "Sulcus Centralis" is a Latin term composed of two words: "sulcus" and "centralis".
- "Sulcus" means furrow, groove, or trench in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "sulcare", which means to furrow or plow. "Sulcus" is commonly used in anatomy to refer to a shallow groove or depression on the surface of an organ, especially in the brain.
- "Centralis" means central or pertaining to the center in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "centrum", which means center.
Therefore, "Sulcus Centralis" literally translates to "Central Groove" or "Central Furrow" in English.