Gyrus Health Dictionary

The sense that enables sound to be perceived. The ear transforms the sound waves it receives into nerve impulses that pass to the brain.

Each ear has 3 distinct regions: the outer, middle, and inner ear. Sound waves are channelled through the ear canal to the middle ear, from where a complex system of membranes and tiny bones conveys the vibrations to the inner ear. The vibrations are converted into nerve impulses in the cochlea. These impulses travel along the auditory nerve to the medulla of the brain. From there, they pass via the thalamus to the superior temporal gyrus, part of the cerebral cortex involved in perceiving sound. (See also deafness.)... hearing

A ring-shaped area in the centre of the brain consisting of a number of connected clusters of nerve cells. The limbic system plays a role in influencing the autonomic nervous system, which automatically regulates body functions; the emotions; and the sense of smell. The system is extensive, and contains various different substructures including the hippocampus, the cingulate gyrus, and the amygdala.... limbic system

(gyro-) combining form denoting 1. a gyrus. 2. a ring or circle.... gyr

n. (pl. sulci) 1. one of the many clefts or infoldings of the surface of the brain. The raised outfolding on each side of a sulcus is termed a gyrus. 2. any of the infoldings of soft tissue in the mouth, for example between the cheek and the alveolus.... sulcus