Lateral view of the brain

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The brain is the most complex organ of the body composed of three major parts: cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem. The cerebrum is the biggest of those three parts. It is a highly convoluted structure organised into folds called gyri and grooves called sulci, which give the cerebrum its wrinkled appearance.

The cerebrum demonstrates a superolateral, medial and inferior surface. Each surface of the cerebrum contains certain characteristic gyri and sulci.

The superolateral surface of the cerebrum is convex and contains the frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital lobe, that lie beneath the corresponding bones of the calvaria. The frontal lobe takes up the majority of the superolateral surface, forming the most anterior portion of the cerebrum. It is separated from the parietal lobe by the central sulcus (fissure of Rolando), while the frontal and parietal lobes are separated from the temporal lobe by the lateral (Sylvian) sulcus. 

Watch the following video to find out more about the structure and striking features of the cerebral lobes seen on the superolateral surface!

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Take the following quiz to test what you already know about the brain, as well as gain some new knowledge about the brain from the superolateral perspective!

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Browse atlas

Take a closer look at the brain from a lateral and superior view in the galleries below.

Summary