Inferior view of the brain

Watch video

The inferior surface of the cerebrum is divided by a prominent groove called the lateral (Sylvian) sulcus into an anterior and a posterior part.

• The anterior part represents the orbital surface of the frontal lobe that lies on the floor of the anterior cranial fossa. The most important landmarks on the orbital part are the three orbital gyri, and the straight gyrus.
• The posterior part represents the basal aspects of the temporal and occipital lobes that lie on the floor of the middle cranial fossa and the upper surface of the tentorium cerebelli. The tentorial part is marked by the inferior temporal, inferior occipital and lingual gyri, and the fusiform gyrus.

Besides the cortical areas, there are some structures of the diencephalon and brainstem that are visible in this inferior view of the brain.

Watch the following video to find out more about all those structures and striking features of the brain seen on the inferior surface!

Take a quiz

Take the following quiz to test and consolidate your knowledge about the features seen on the inferior surface of the cerebrum!

Try out our fully customisable quiz below and tailor it to your own needs by creating your own selection of structures to be quizzed on!

Browse atlas

Take a closer look at all the individual structures seen on the inferior view of the brain in this atlas gallery!

Summary