The human brain is one of the most complex and fascinating organs in the body. In its structure, we find a series of twists and folds that play a crucial role in our cognition, emotions and behavior. These folds, also known as cerebral gyri, significantly increase the surface area of the brain and allow for a greater number of neurons, which in turn translates into greater cognitive capacity. Next, we will explore the 9 major folds of the brain and their importance in brain function.
1. Cingulate Gyrus
The cingulate gyrus is a C-shaped structure located in the inner part of the brain, just above the corpus callosum. It is known for its role in processing emotions and regulating the stress response. Additionally, the cingulate gyrus plays a crucial role in decision making, attention, and working memory.
Main functions:
- Emotional regulation
- Attention control
- Working memory
2. Superior Frontal Gyrus
The superior frontal gyrus is located in the front part of the frontal lobe and plays a critical role in executive functions such as planning, decision making, and impulse control. This region of the brain is also involved in sustained attention and complex problem solving.
Main functions:
- Planning and decision making
- Impulse control
- Problem solving
3. Lateral Sulcus
The lateral sulcus, also known as the lateral sulcus of Sylvius, separates the frontal and parietal lobes from the temporal lobe. This sulcus divides the brain into two hemispheres and is crucial for the integration of auditory information and language processing. The lateral sulcus plays a key role in speech understanding and hearing.
Main functions:
- Language processing
- Speech understanding
- Auditory integration
4. Superior Parietal Gyrus
The superior parietal gyrus is located at the top of the parietal lobe and plays a crucial role in sensory integration and spatial perception. This region of the brain is involved in the mental representation of space and in the coordination of body movements in relation to the environment.
Main functions:
- Sensory integration
- Spatial perception
- Motor coordination
5. Central Sulcus
The central sulcus, also known as Roland's sulcus, separates the frontal and parietal lobes of the brain. This sulcus is crucial for the functional division between motor control and somatosensory sensation. The central sulcus plays a key role in the planning and execution of voluntary movements.
Main functions:
- Motor control
- Somatosensory sensation
- Execution of voluntary movements
6. Superior Temporal Gyrus
The superior temporal gyrus is located at the top of the temporal lobe and plays a crucial role in auditory processing and verbal memory. This region of the brain is specialized in auditory discrimination and the interpretation of sounds in the environment.
Main functions:
- Auditory processing
- Memory verbal
- Auditory discrimination
7. Posterior Cingulate Gyrus
The posterior cingulate gyrus is a region of the brain located in the posterior part of the cingulate gyrus. This region is involved in spatial orientation, body awareness, and episodic memory. The posterior cingulate gyrus plays a crucial role in spatial navigation and the formation of autobiographical memories.
Main functions:
- Spatial orientation
- Awareness Body
- Episodic memory
8. Calcarine Sulcus
The calcarine sulcus is located in the occipital part of the brain and is associated with primary visual processing. This sulcus is the main site of projection of visual information from the retina to the primary visual cortex in the occipital lobe. The calcarine sulcus plays a crucial role in visual perception and in the interpretation of visual stimuli.
Main functions:
- Primary visual processing
- Perception visual
- Interpretation of visual stimuli
9. Medial Prefrontal Gyrus
The medial prefrontal gyrus is located in the front part of the frontal lobe and plays a crucial role in attention control, decision making, and emotional regulation. This brain region is involved in long-term planning, empathy, and introspection.
Main functions:
- Attention control
- Decision Making
- Emotional Regulation
In conclusion, the gyres and folds of the brain play a crucial role in our cognition, emotions, and behavior. Each of these brain structures has specific functions that contribute to the integral functioning of our nervous system. Understanding the anatomy and function of these brain gyri helps us better appreciate the complexity of our most important organ: the brain.