How Do You Spell SYLVIAN POINT?

Pronunciation: [sˈɪlvi͡ən pˈɔ͡ɪnt] (IPA)

The Sylvian point is a term used in anatomy to describe a specific point on the skull near the temporal lobe. It is pronounced /ˈsɪl.vi.ən pɔɪnt/ and is spelled with a "y" instead of an "i" in reference to Francois Sylvius, a seventeenth-century Dutch anatomist who first described the point. The spelling of "Sylvian" reflects the historical French pronunciation of the name, as the French were the dominant cultural group in the scientific community at the time of Sylvius' discoveries.

SYLVIAN POINT Meaning and Definition

1. Sylvian point, also known as the Sylvian fissure or Sylvian sulcus, is a prominent anatomical feature found in the brain. It refers to a deep groove or crevice that runs horizontally across the lateral surface of the cerebral hemisphere. It is named after the famous French physician and anatomist, Gabriel Sylvius.

   The Sylvian point is located in the lateral sulcus, also known as the lateral fissure, which separates the frontal and parietal lobes from the temporal lobe on both sides of the brain. It is considered a landmark and an important reference point in neuroanatomy.

   The presence of the Sylvian point indicates the boundary between the frontal and parietal lobes, which are involved in functions such as motor control, speech production, and higher cognitive processes like decision-making and memory. On the other side of the Sylvian point lies the temporal lobe, which is responsible for auditory processing, language comprehension, and memory consolidation.

   As a key anatomical structure, the Sylvian point also serves as an entry point for important blood vessels. The middle cerebral artery, one of the major blood supply arteries in the brain, travels within the Sylvian fissure. Consequently, any damage or blockage in this area can lead to severe neurological impairments, such as stroke or loss of specific cognitive functions.

   In summary, the Sylvian point is the distinct groove located on the lateral surface of the cerebral hemisphere that separates the frontal and parietal lobes from the temporal lobe. It serves as a reference point and plays a crucial role in various brain functions.

2. The nearest point on the skull to the Sylvian fissure, about 30 mm. behind the external angular process.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for SYLVIAN POINT

• aylvian point
• zylvian point
• xylvian point
• dylvian point
• eylvian point
• wylvian point
• stlvian point
• sglvian point
• shlvian point
• sulvian point
• s7lvian point
• s6lvian point
• sykvian point
• sypvian point
• syovian point
• sylcian point
• sylbian point
• sylgian point
• sylfian point
• sylvuan point

Etymology of SYLVIAN POINT

The term "Sylvian point" is derived from the Latin word "sylvius", which means "pertaining to the forest". It comes from the Latin name for the Sylvian fissure, which is a prominent deep groove on the surface of the brain. The Sylvian fissure, also known as the lateral sulcus, separates the frontal and parietal lobes from the temporal lobe in the brain. This crucial point plays a significant role in various neurological processes, including language and auditory functions, making it an essential landmark for neuroanatomy and neurosurgery.