EN | DE | PT Contact How to study Login Register
Anatomy
Basics
Terminology First look at bones and muscles First look at neurovasculature First look at the systems
Upper extremity
Shoulder and arm Elbow and forearm Wrist and hand Neurovasculature of the upper limb
Lower extremity
Hip and thigh Knee and leg Ankle and foot Neurovasculature of the lower limb
Trunk wall
Vertebral column Dorsal trunk Ventral trunk
Thorax
Female breast Mediastinum Esophagus Lungs Heart Diaphragm
Abdomen and pelvis
Peritoneal cavity Stomach Spleen Liver Pancreas Small intestine Large intestine Kidneys Ureter Pelvis Urinary bladder and urethra Female reproductive organs Male reproductive organs Blood vessels of the abdomen and pelvis Lymphatics of the abdomen and the pelvis
Head and neck
Skull Head Orbit and contents Nasal region Ear Teeth Oral cavity Pharynx Neck Neurovasculature of the head and neck
Neuroanatomy
Cerebrum Subcortical structures Cerebellum and brainstem Ventricles, meninges and blood vessels of the brain Spinal cord Pathways of the nervous system Cranial nerves Peripheral nervous system
Cross sections
Head and neck Upper extremity Thorax Abdomen Male pelvis Female pelvis Lower extremity
Histology
General
Introduction to cells and tissues Epithelial tissue Connective tissue Nervous tissue Muscle tissue Cartilage and bone
Systems
Cardiovascular system Nervous system Integumentary system Musculoskeletal system Respiratory system Excretory system Endocrine system Digestive system Lymphatic system Male reproductive system Female reproductive system
Fetal tissues
Head and neck Trunk and limbs
Medical imaging
Head and neck
Head: Axial CT Brain: Axial MRI T2 Face: Axial MRI T2 Neck: Axial CT
Abdomen and pelvis
Abdomen: Axial MRI T2 Abdomen: Axial CT Female pelvis: Axial CT
Upper extremity
Shoulder: Axial MRI PD Wrist: Axial MRI T1
Lower extremity
Knee: Axial MRI
Thorax
Chest X-ray
AnatomyNeuroanatomyCerebrum
What is a gyrus?

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!

Go Premium

What is a gyrus?: want to learn more about it?

Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.

Sign up for your free Kenhub account today and join over 1,173,932 successful anatomy students.

Create your free account

“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.” – Read more. Kim Bengochea Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver

What is a gyrus?

A gyrus (plural: gyri) is a ridge on the surface of the brain. Each ridge is surrounded by fissures known as sulci (singular: sulcus). Gyri are unique structures that have an important evolutionary function; they increase the surface area of the brain up to an impressive 2000 centimeters squared.

This large surface area gives us better cognition without having to increase the size of the brain, which is of course trapped within the skull and hence limited by size.

There are many specific gyri which are important to the brain’s functions. For example, the superior temporal gyrus contains the Wernicke’s area, which is vital in the computation of language, while the precentral gyrus acts as the primary motor center of the brain.

As gyri are important brain structures, they have a great deal of clinical significance, with various abnormalities leading to disorders such as epilepsy.

Contents
  1. Anatomy
  2. Important gyri and their functions
  3. Lissencephaly
  4. Related diagrams and images
+ Show all

Postcentral gyrus (cross-sectional view)

Anatomy

A gyrus is a ridge-like elevation found on the surface of the cerebral cortex. Gyri are surrounded by depressions known as sulci, and together they form the iconic folded surface of the brain. Gyri are made up of the gray matter of the cerebral cortex, which mainly consists of nerve cell bodies and dendrites. The size and layout of gyri vary from person to person, although there are certain important gyri that are found in everyone. However, even the exact size and location of these gyri can vary slightly between individuals.

Test yourself on ALL of the parts of the brain with our free brain diagrams and quizzes!

Important gyri and their functions

There are certain gyri in the brain that are of particular importance. These are outlined below:

  • Precentral gyrus - Found on the lateral surface of the the frontal lobe and acts as the primary motor area of the brain.

Precentral gyrus (cross-sectional view)

  • Inferior frontal gyrus - Found on the lateral surface of the frontal lobe, involved in speech production.
  • Anterior paracentral lobule - Found on the medial surface of the frontal lobe and is a continuation of the precentral gyrus.

Paracentral lobule (medial view)

  • Gyrus rectus/orbital gyri - Found on the inferior surface of the frontal lobe.

Orbital gyri (caudal view)

  • Postcentral gyrus - Found on the lateral surface of the parietal lobe, and acts as the primary somesthetic area of the brain.
  • Superior parietal lobule - Found on the lateral surface of the parietal lobe, involved in somatosensory activity.

Superior parietal lobule (lateral-left view)

  • Inferior parietal lobule - Found on the lateral surface of the parietal lobe, divided into the following:
  • Supramarginal gyrus (Involved in the integration of sensory information)
  • Angular gyrus (Involved in receiving visual information)

 

Inferior parietal lobule (lateral-left view)

  • Posterior paracentral lobule precuneus - Found on the medial surface of the parietal lobe; simply a continuation of the postcentral gyrus.
  • Superior temporal gyrus - Found on the lateral surface of the temporal lobe, contains the Wernicke’s area which allows us to compute language.

Superior temporal gyrus (lateral-left view)

  • Middle and inferior temporal gyri - Found on the lateral surface of the temporal lobe.

Middle temporal gyrus (lateral-left view)

  • Transverse temporal gyri (of Heschl) - Found on the superior surface of the temporal lobe; forms the primary auditory cortex.
  • Fusiform gyrus - Found on the inferior surface of the temporal lobe; attaches to the parahippocampal gyrus.
  • Superior and inferior occipital gyri - Found on the lateral surface of the occipital lobe.
  • Cuneate gyrus (cuneus) - Found on the medial surface of the occipital lobe, separated by the calcarine fissure which borders the primary visual cortex.

Cuneus (medial view)

  • Lingual gyrus - Found on the medial surface of the occipital lobe.

Lingual gyrus (caudal view)

  • Short and long gyri - Found on the lateral surface of the insular lobe (insula), involved in the sensation of taste.

Long gyrus of insula (lateral-left view)

Cingulate gyrus (medial view)

  • Parahippocampal gyrus - Found on the medial surface of the limbic lobe.

Parahippocampal gyrus (caudal view)

  • Hippocampal formation - Found on the medial surface of the limbic lobe; comprises the hippocampus, dentate gyrus, and subiculum.
  • Subcallosal, parolfactory, and preterminal gyri - Found on the medial surface of the limbic lobe; referred to as the subcallosal area.

Lissencephaly

Gyral abnormalities can lead to the cerebral cortex being smoother than it should be, resulting in pathologies. These pathologies can lead to diseases which can be categorised within a spectrum called the lissencephaly-pachygyria spectrum. Issues with gyri can also be a factor in the development of epilepsy.

Lissencephaly, meaning  smooth brain, is often characterised by agyria (absence of gyri) or pachygyria (the presence of overly broad gyri). It results from abnormal migration of neurons during gestation, which inhibits the normal development of gyri and sulci in the brain.

There are two main types of lissencephaly. Type 1 lissencephaly is more common, and causes hypotonia (lack of muscle tone) and lack of movement. Type 2 lissencephaly can lead to muscular dystrophy-like symptoms, causing diseases such as Fukuyama syndrome and muscle-eye-brain (MEB) disease.

What is a gyrus?: want to learn more about it?

Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.

Sign up for your free Kenhub account today and join over 1,173,932 successful anatomy students.

Create your free account

“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.” – Read more. Kim Bengochea Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver

Show references

References:

  • H. Gray: Gray’s Anatomy, 20th edition, e-Kitap Projesi (2016)
  • J. Mendoza, A. Foundas: Clinical Neuroanatomy: A Neurobehavioral Approach, Springer (2008)
  • M. Patestas, L. Gartner: A textbook of neuroanatomy, Blackwell Publishing (2006)
  • O. Kang, F. Galliard, et al.: Lissencephaly-pachygyria spectrum. Radiopaedia, (accessed 9th November 2016)

Author, review and layout:

  • Rachel Baxter
  • Francesca Salvador
  • Adrian Rad

Illustrators:

  • Postcentral gyrus (cross-sectional view) - Paul Kim
  • Precentral gyrus (cross-sectional view) - Paul Kim
  • Paracentral lobule (medial view) - Paul Kim
  • Orbital gyri (caudal view) - Paul Kim
  • Superior parietal lobule (lateral-left view) - Paul Kim
  • Inferior parietal lobule (lateral-left view) - Paul Kim
  • Superior temporal gyrus (lateral-left view) - Paul Kim
  • Middle temporal gyrus (lateral-left view) - Paul Kim
  • Cuneus (medial view) - Paul Kim
  • Lingual gyrus (caudal view) - Paul Kim
  • Long gyrus of insula (lateral-left view) - Paul Kim
  • Cingulate gyrus (medial view) - Paul Kim
  • Parahippocampal gyrus (caudal view) - Paul Kim
© Unless stated otherwise, all content, including illustrations are exclusive property of Kenhub GmbH, and are protected by German and international copyright laws. All rights reserved.

Related diagrams and images

Continue your learning

Read more articles

Lateral view of the brain
This article describes the anatomy of three parts of the brain (cerebrum, brainstem & cerebellum) seen from a lateral view. Learn this topic now at Kenhub.
Parietal lobe
This article describes the parietal lobe functions and anatomy including Wernicke's area, and related clinical syndromes. Learn this topic now at Kenhub!
Angular gyrus
This article describes the angular gyrus, covering its anatomy, location, functions, connections and clinical points. Learn this topic now at Kenhub!
Lobes of the brain
This article describes the lobes of the brain and their functions together with interesting clinical entities, such as Broca’s aphasia. Learn now at Kenhub!
Insula
This article describes the anatomy, functions, connections, and relevant clinical aspects of the insula (insular lobe). Click now to learn more at Kenhub!
Cerebrum
Learn the anatomy and function of the cerebrum and cerebral cortex using this article. Click now to find out more at Kenhub!
Topography of the cerebral hemispheres
This is an article covering the topography of the cerebral hemispheres. Learn this topic now at Kenhub!
Corticobulbar and corticospinal tracts
This article describes the anatomy of the corticobulbar and corticospinal tracts as well as their clinical significance. Learn this topic now at Kenhub.
Brodmann areas
This is an article covering the anatomy and functions of the different regions of the brain called Brodmann areas. Learn this topic now at Kenhub!
Cytoarchitecture of cerebral cortex
This article covers the cytoarchitecture of the cerebral cortex. Learn all about the Brodmann areas, its cells, columns, layers, and organization at Kenhub!
Nervous system
This article will describe the details of the nervous system, types and also the clinical impact of its dysfunction. Learn this topic now at Kenhub.
Central nervous system
This article will discuss the embryology, anatomy and clinical relevance related to the central nervous system. Learn this topic now at Kenhub.
Midsagittal section of the brain
This article describes a midsagittal section of human brain. Learn the functional areas of the brain in a midsagittal view, now at Kenhub.
Parts of the brain: Learn with diagrams and quizzes
Struggling to learn all the parts of the brain? Our handy round-up of diagrams, flashcards and quizzes have got you covered. Click to learn more.
Show 12 more articles

Watch videos

Lateral views of the brain
Structures seen on the lateral view of the brain. [19:39]

Take a quiz

Lateral views of the brain
Structures seen on the lateral views of the brain.
Custom quiz: Cerebrum
For a broader topic focus, try this customizable quiz.

Browse atlas

Lateral views of the brain
Structures seen on the lateral views of the brain.
Well done!

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!