Introduction: The sulci of the inferior surface of the temporal lobe show a significant and complex variability [1]. Improved adequate knowledge of the sulci anatomy and recognition of their several variations will allow the neurosurgeons to plan safer approaches to the pathologies of this region. Typically, the inferior surface of the human temporal lobe is longitudinally traversed by three main sulci. The rhinal sulcus (RS) and collateral sulcus (CS) are both located on the medial part of the inferior surface and the occipitotemporal sulcus (OTS) is located in the lateral part of the inferior surface. The CS, one of the most constant cerebral sulci, courses between the parahippocampal and the occipitotemporal gyri [2]. The OTS separates the medial border of the inferior temporal gyrus and inferior occipital gyrus from the fusiform gyrus [3].

Methods: 35 brain specimens were obtained following autopsy of the donated cadavers of adult humans belonging to both sexes. The RS, CS and OTS were identified directly from the specimens and traced on drawings of the inferior temporal surface, with different colors on digital images using the Microsoft Paint program. The real length and depth of all sulci were measured by means of a fiber soft measuring tape ruler running along the gutter of the sulci and the anteroposterior (AP) lengths were measured by a digital caliper throughout the sagittal axis. (Mituyoyo Series 500, USA)

Results: Detected anatomical features of all sulci were summarized in Table1.

Conclusions: The aim of this study was to investigate the sulcal patterns of the inferior temporal region and to define the individual variations, their depths and their relationships with each other. Better understanding of the structural anatomy of the sulci and gyral variations of this region will provide valuable information to neurosurgeons for intraoperative interpretation.

Patient Care: Better understanding of the structural anatomy of the sulci and gyral variations of this region will provide valuable information to neurosurgeons for intraoperative interpretation.

Learning Objectives: To our knowledge, there are limited number of published cadaveric studies which have investigated the anatomy of the inferior temporal region and more studies are still required to understand this complex anatomy.

References: 1. Ono M, Kubik S, Abernathey CD. Atlas of the cerebral sulci. Stuttgart: Thieme, 1990 2. Campero A, Troccoli G, Martins C, Fernandez-Miranda JC,Yasuda A, Rhoton AL Jr. Microsurgical approaches to the medial temporal region: an anatomical study. Neurosurgery 59, 2006 3. Kiernan JA. Anatomy of the temporal lobe. Epilepsy Res Treat, 2012