lateral fissure

n. Fold in the cortex separating the temporal lobe from the parietal and frontal lobes. It is also referred to as the Sylvian fissure, fissure of Sylvius, or lateral sulcus. In the left hemisphere it represents the core of the so-called brain language area; it means that damage involving the left lateral fissure results in language disturbances (aphasia). Deep in the lateral fissure is situated the insula. Below the lateral fissure in its posterior portion in the left hemisphere is located the Wernicke's area, a crucial area in language understanding.

- AA