Space
Central sulcus
Landmark between the frontal and parietal lobes
High-yield
Locate the central sulcus to orient the motor cortex anteriorly and the somatosensory cortex posteriorly. Its surface shape varies, so nearby gyri and medial landmarks help identify it.
Overview
The central sulcus runs from the upper medial border of a cerebral hemisphere down toward the lateral sulcus. The precentral gyrus lies in front of it and the postcentral gyrus behind it, placing primary motor and somatosensory cortex on neighboring banks.
Reference facts
- Boundaries
- Precentral gyrus on the anterior side and postcentral gyrus on the posterior side; the sulcus descends forward from near the superomedial hemispheric border
- Contents
- Opposing cortical banks, pial vessels and the overlying subarachnoid CSF space
- Communications
- Extends onto the medial surface within the paracentral region and usually ends above the lateral sulcus; precentral and postcentral sulci lie nearby
Clinical correlation
The sulcus reaches the medial sensorimotor region in the paracentral lobule. Because this region represents the opposite leg and receives anterior cerebral arterial supply, an infarct there can cause leg-predominant weakness or sensory loss.
Frequently asked questions
What are the boundaries of the central sulcus?
Precentral gyrus on the anterior side and postcentral gyrus on the posterior side; the sulcus descends forward from near the superomedial hemispheric border.
What does the central sulcus contain?
The central sulcus contains the opposing cortical banks, pial vessels and the overlying subarachnoid CSF space.
What does the central sulcus communicate with?
Extends onto the medial surface within the paracentral region and usually ends above the lateral sulcus; precentral and postcentral sulci lie nearby.