Final answer:
The lateral Sylvian fissure, or lateral sulcus, divides the cerebral cortex, separating the temporal lobe from the frontal and parietal lobes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lateral Sylvian fissure, also referred to as the lateral sulcus, is a major brain landmark that divides the cerebral cortex into separate regions or lobes. Specifically, it separates the temporal lobe from the frontal and parietal lobes. The folding of the cortex, which includes gyri and sulci, maximizes the amount of gray matter within the cranial cavity, and during embryonic development, leads to a pattern of folds unique to each individual, yet with a similar overall pattern allowing for these important landmarks to be identified. The temporal lobe is located inferior to the lateral sulcus, while the frontal and parietal lobes are found superior to it, with their boundary being marked by another important sulcus called the central sulcus.