From the Research
The collateral sulcus is named for its position alongside or "collateral" to other important brain structures, as it runs parallel to the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus on the inferior surface of the temporal lobe. The term "collateral" comes from Latin, meaning "side by side" or "accompanying," which accurately describes how this sulcus accompanies these medial temporal structures 1. Anatomically, the collateral sulcus forms the lateral boundary of the parahippocampal gyrus and separates it from the fusiform gyrus. This sulcus is significant in neuroanatomy because it serves as an important landmark for identifying surrounding structures involved in memory formation and visual processing.
Key Points
- The collateral sulcus is a critical landmark on the inferior surface of the temporal lobe, running parallel to the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus.
- The term "collateral" refers to its position alongside other important brain structures, derived from the Latin meaning "side by side" or "accompanying" 1.
- The collateral sulcus varies in depth and configuration among individuals but consistently forms the lateral boundary of the parahippocampal gyrus, separating it from the fusiform gyrus.
- Studies have classified the sulcal patterns of the basal surface of the temporal lobe into different types, with variations in the connection between the collateral sulcus and other sulci like the rhinal and occipitotemporal sulci 2, 1, 3.
- Understanding the anatomy of the collateral sulcus and its variations is crucial for neurosurgical procedures and the interpretation of neuroimaging studies, especially in conditions like temporal lobe epilepsy 3, 4.