Sulcus vs. Fissure — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 20, 2023
A sulcus is a shallow groove, especially on the brain; a fissure is a deep cleft or groove, notably in geological or anatomical contexts.
Difference Between Sulcus and Fissure
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A sulcus, in anatomy, usually refers to a shallow groove on the surface of the brain. These grooves play essential roles in distinguishing and separating the brain's raised regions, known as gyri. Contrastingly, a fissure is a more pronounced groove or cleft and can be found in various contexts. In anatomy, when discussing the brain, a fissure often indicates a deeper divide than a sulcus.
While the term "sulcus" is mainly reserved for biological contexts, "fissure" enjoys a broader usage. A fissure can be found in geology, where it signifies a long, narrow opening in rock or the Earth, often due to tectonic activity. Sulcus, on the other hand, remains predominantly tied to anatomy, especially concerning the brain and other body parts with folded structures.
To further illustrate the difference, consider this: every fissure can be thought of as a type of sulcus because of its grooved nature, but not every sulcus is deep enough to be classified as a fissure. This means that while both terms describe grooves or clefts, the depth and context in which they are used often set them apart.
A working knowledge of the difference between sulcus and fissure is crucial for professionals in the fields of neurology, geology, and other related disciplines. Keeping in mind the distinction in depth and the context can ensure accurate communication and understanding.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A shallow groove, especially in the brain
A deep cleft or groove in various contexts
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Usage
Predominantly in anatomy
In both anatomy and geology
Depth
Generally shallow
Deeper than a sulcus
Example
Central sulcus in the brain
Longitudinal fissure dividing brain hemispheres
Associated Terms
Gyri (raised parts between sulci)
Cracks in earth or deep grooves in body parts
Compare with Definitions
Sulcus
A shallow depression or groove in a bodily structure.
The sulcus behind the knee is called the popliteal sulcus.
Fissure
A long, narrow opening or line of breakage.
The fissure in the ground was caused by an earthquake.
Sulcus
A natural division on the surface of an organ, especially in the brain.
The lateral sulcus is a notable feature of the brain's surface.
Fissure
A separation or split in anatomical parts.
A fissure in the lung allows entry for bronchi.
Sulcus
A groove or furrow, especially in the brain.
The central sulcus separates the frontal and parietal lobes.
Fissure
A break or split in something that is normally solid.
The vase had a small fissure at its base.
Sulcus
An anatomical groove or fold.
The sulcus of the heart can hold coronary arteries.
Fissure
A deep groove in the brain or other organ.
The longitudinal fissure separates the two brain hemispheres.
Sulcus
A groove found in the surface of an organ.
The stomach has a lesser curvature sulcus.
Fissure
A splitting or cracking, especially in rock or earth.
Lava emerged from the fissure on the mountainside.
Sulcus
A deep, narrow furrow or groove, as in an organ or tissue.
Fissure
In anatomy, a fissure (Latin fissura, plural fissurae) is a groove, natural division, deep furrow, elongated cleft, or tear in various parts of the body. It is also generally called a sulcus, but this term can also reffer specifically to the analagous brain structure.
Sulcus
Any of the narrow fissures separating adjacent convolutions of the brain.
Fissure
A long narrow opening; a crack or cleft.
Sulcus
(anatomy) A furrow or groove in an organ or a tissue, especially that marking the convolutions of the surface of the brain.
Fissure
The process of splitting or separating; division.
Sulcus
(planetology) A region of subparallel grooves or ditches formed by a geological process.
Fissure
A separation into subgroups or factions; a schism.
Sulcus
A furrow; a groove; a fissure.
Fissure
(Anatomy) A normal groove or furrow, as in the liver or brain, that divides an organ into lobes or parts.
Sulcus
(anatomy) any of the narrow grooves in an organ or tissue especially those that mark the convolutions on the surface of the brain
Fissure
(Medicine) A break in the skin, usually where it joins a mucous membrane, producing a cracklike sore or ulcer.
Fissure
To form a crack or cleft or cause a crack or cleft in.
Fissure
A long, narrow crack or opening made by breaking or splitting, especially in rock or earth.
Fissure
(anatomy) A groove, deep furrow, elongated cleft or tear between body parts or in the substance of an organ; a sulcus.
Fissure
(anatomy) A break or slit in tissue usually at the junction of skin and mucous membrane.
Fissure
A state of incompatibility or disagreement.
Fissure
To split, forming fissures.
Fissure
A narrow opening, made by the parting of any substance; a cleft; as, the fissure of a rock.
Fissure
To cleave; to divide; to crack or fracture.
Fissure
A long narrow depression in a surface
Fissure
A long narrow opening
Fissure
(anatomy) a long narrow slit or groove that divides an organ into lobes
Fissure
Break into fissures or fine cracks
Common Curiosities
Can "fissure" describe cracks in the earth?
Yes, fissures can refer to deep cracks in geological contexts.
Is sulcus used outside of brain anatomy?
Yes, a sulcus can describe grooves on various organs.
Is every sulcus on the brain shallow?
While typically shallower than fissures, sulci can vary in depth.
Is a sulcus only found in the human brain?
No, many animals with brains have sulci.
Can a fissure be shallow?
Typically, a fissure is deeper than a sulcus.
What separates gyri in the brain?
Gyri are separated by sulci and fissures.
Is "fissured" a term?
Yes, it describes something having fissures or being split.
What's the plural of "fissure"?
It remains "fissures."
Can a fissure be found in the human body?
Absolutely, like the longitudinal fissure in the brain.
Can a sulcus become a fissure over time?
In geological contexts, a sulcus-like crack could deepen into a fissure.
Do all brains have the same sulci and fissures?
While many are consistent, there's individual variability in sulcal and fissural patterns.
Can a fissure result from injury?
Yes, fissures can also refer to cracks or splits due to injury.
Do fissures and sulci have different functions in the brain?
Both play roles in increasing surface area, but their depth can influence connectivity and function.
Does sulcus have a plural form?
Yes, it's "sulci."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
