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Sulcal and gyral anatomy of the basal occipital–temporal lobe

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy volume 36, pages 959–965 (2014)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose

The sulcal and gyral anatomy of the basal occipital–temporal lobe is highly variable and detailed descriptions of this region are limited and often inconsistent. The aim of this study was to describe the salient features of the sulcal and gyral anatomy of the basal occipital–temporal lobe.

Methods

We studied the sulcal and gyral patterns of 30 formalin-fixed cerebral hemispheres.

Results

The major landmarks are the collateral sulcus (separated into the rhinal, proper, and caudal segments) and occipitotemporal sulcus (often interrupted), which were always present in this study. The bifurcation of the caudal collateral sulcus is a useful landmark. In relation to these sulci, we have described the surface anatomy and nominated landmarks of the medial (parahippocampal and lingual) and lateral (fusiform) occipitotemporal gyri.

Conclusions

Understanding of the sulcal and gyral patterns of the basal occipital–temporal lobe may provide valuable information in its radiological and intraoperative interpretation.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are indebted to the altruism and generosity of the individuals who donated their bodies to science.

Conflict of interest

All authors declare that no actual or potential conflict of interest exists.

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Affiliations

  1. Macquarie Neurosurgery, Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie University, Suite 201, Level 2, 2 Technology Place, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia

    Anthony Minh Tien Chau & Cristian Gragnaniello

  2. School of Medicine, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia

    Anthony Minh Tien Chau, Fiona Stewart & Cristian Gragnaniello

Authors
  1. Anthony Minh Tien Chau
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  2. Fiona Stewart
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  3. Cristian Gragnaniello
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Correspondence to Anthony Minh Tien Chau.

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Chau, A.M.T., Stewart, F. & Gragnaniello, C. Sulcal and gyral anatomy of the basal occipital–temporal lobe. Surg Radiol Anat 36, 959–965 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-014-1294-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-014-1294-6

Keywords

  • Neuroanatomy
  • Temporal lobe
  • Occipital lobe