Question

Define gyri/sulci

Option 1: A neuron sending impulses toward the CNS
Option 2: Abnormal neurologic signs indicating dysfunction in the brain
Option 3: The ridges and grooves of the cerebral cortex
Option 4: Loss of coordination

Answer 1

Gyri are the ridges and sulci are the grooves on the surface of the cerebral cortex, which significantly increase the brain's surface area and mark specific neurological regions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The gyri and sulci are the defining features of the cerebral cortex, which is the outermost layer of the brain's gray matter. Gyri (singular: gyrus) are the ridges that you see on the cerebral cortex, and sulci (singular: sulcus) are the grooves or valleys that separate the gyri. This wrinkled pattern creates a larger surface area for the cortex, allowing for a higher capacity for neurons to reside within the limited space of the skull and thus supporting the complex functions of the CNS (Central Nervous System). These structures are not just for increasing the brain’s surface area, but also denote specific regions of the cerebral cortex that are responsible for various neurological functions such as memory, emotion, and consciousness.