What is the Difference Between Sulcus and Fissure?

Sulci and fissures are both grooves in the cerebral cortex, but they differ in size and function. Here are the main differences between them:

• Size: Sulci are shallow grooves that surround a gyrus, while fissures are larger furrows that divide the brain into lobes and also into the two hemispheres, such as the longitudinal fissure.
• Function: Sulci give rise to gyri, which are the ridges between the sulci. Fissures, on the other hand, divide the brain into lobes. The main fissures and sulci divide each of the brain's hemispheres into four lobes – temporal, occipital, parietal, and frontal lobes.
• Examples: Examples of sulci include superior frontal, inferior frontal, superior temporal, and inferior temporal sulci. Fissures, on the other hand, are deep grooves that separate one lobe from another.

In summary, sulci are shallow grooves that surround a gyrus and give rise to gyri, while fissures are larger furrows that divide the brain into lobes.

Comparative Table: Sulcus vs Fissure

Here is a table comparing the differences between sulcus and fissure:

Both sulci and fissures are grooves in the cortex, but they differ in size and function. Sulci are shallow grooves surrounding the gyri, while fissures are deeper grooves that divide the brain into lobes. Sulci increase the brain's surface area, whereas fissures separate one lobe from another.