This is the protocol currently in use by EDEVEL group. (analyses: YALE)

Interrater reliability has been established by two raters (swelcome & ahenkeni) for six representative subjects.  This image shows the average displacement (in mm) between the two raters in color according to the scale on the right.

Draw Sulci/Lines in the Following Order:

1. Sylvian Fissure (#16)
2. Central Sulcus (#1)
3. Postcentral Sulcus (#3)
4. Precentral Sulcus (#19)
5. Superior Temporal Sulcus Main Body (#2a)
6. Superior Temporal Sulcus Ascending Branch (#2b)
7. Superior Temporal Sulcus Posterior Branch (#2c)
8. Intraparietal Sulcus (#15)
9. Primary Intermediate Sulcus (#22)
10. Secondary Intermediate Sulcus (#20)
11. Transverse Occipital Sulcus (#21)
12. Inferior Temporal Sulcus (#9)
13. Inferior Frontal Sulcus (#4)
14. Middle Frontal Sulcus (#5)
15. Olfactory Sulcus (#6)
16. Occipital-Temporal Sulcus (#7)
17. Collateral Sulcus (#8)
18. Callosal Sulcus (#30)
19. Inferior Callosal Outline Segment (#31)
20. Superior Rostral Sulcus (#34)
21. Inferior Rostral Sulcus (#35)
22. Paracentral Sulcus (#33)
23. Cingulate Sulcus, Anterior Segment (#32a)
24. Cingulate Sulcus, Posterior Segment (#32b)
25. Outer Segment of a Double Parallel Anterior Cingulate Sulcus (#32c)
26. Parieto-Occipital Sulcus (#36)
27. Calcarine Sulcus, Anterior Segment (#37a)
28. Calcarine Sulcus, Posterior Segment (#37b)
29. Subparietal Sulcus (#38)
30. Olfactory Control Line (#10m)
31. Olfactory - Middle Frontal Control Line (#17m)
32. Superior Frontal - Precentral Control Line (#50m)
33. Precentral - Marginal Ramus of Posterior Cingulate Control Line (#51m)
34. Marginal Ramus of Posterior Cingulate - Parieto-Occipital Control Line (#53m)
35. Parieto-Occipital - Calcarine Control Line (#54m)
36. Occipital Control Line (#55m)

General Guidelines

Before Drawing

• Set the surface curve weight to -50 ("V" for surface curves from the main menu, and then "X" to set the curve weight.
• Generally, but not always, determining the shape of the sulcus in the opposite hemisphere can aid decisions when the pathway is ambiguous.
• Start by determining all the sulci in a region. Once you have figured out their paths, then draw the sulci for that region.
• *ALWAYS plan the drawing of the sulcus in the same direction you will actually draw in (especially helpful for Frontal Sulci).
• Rely more on the object view than the reslice view, but the reslice view is helpful in determining which path to take.

Drawing

• Try to think of the area you are defining with the sulci you draw. This will help you when the sulcus is ambiguous.
• When the path a sulcus will take has been decided, use the markers function ("B" for markers menu, then "F" to create a marker where the cursor is located) to note the starting and ending points of the sulcus. All starting and stopping points must be chosen in orthogonal views. Then rotate the object file so that you can see down the length of the entire sulcus (You must be able to clearly see the beginning and the ending markers).
• If presented with 2 equally good opportunities to jump when drawing any of the sulci, always jump sooner than later.
• Generally, choose the shortest direct route between start and termination points for each sulcus. Do not jump gyri unless the sulcus is clearly discontinuous, and follow all twists and turns of each sulcus when it is an unambiguous path. If you must jump a gyrus, always choose the shortest sulcus distance and do not select points on the gyrus. Specifically, when you come to the last point before you must jump, just choose that one point on the other side of the gyrus (shortest distance possible) where you will draw the continuation of the sulcus.
• Starting points for all the sulci tend to be in deepest, darkest contrast sulcal area whereas an ending point can have less contrast if the sulcus is continuous.
• If the sulcus is not present (most notably 20, 22, 2c, and 32c), do not draw it.

30. Callosal Sulcus

Starting Point: Rostrum of the Corpus Callosum

Direction: Anterior to Posterior

Ending Point: Splenium of the Corpus Callosum

Notes: The actual sulcus may not appear on the model, so trace the outer boundary of the corpus callosum. Start at the underside of the rostrum at its most posterior point and follow around the curve of the splenium.  End the line at the most inferior point of the splenium BEFORE curving upward again. This will be defining the border of the cingulate gyrus. Also, magnify the callosal area to occupy most of the computer screen to ensure accurate drawing around this structure.

References: Figure 30i  Figure 30ii Figure 30iii  Figure 30iiii

31. Inferior Callosal Outline Segment

Starting Point: Rostrum of the Corpus Callosum

Direction: Anterior to Posterior

Ending Point: Splenium of the Corpus Callosum

Notes: Change the curve weight level to 100 in order to get a good fit of the underlying callosum. Also magnify the callosal area greatly to occupy most of the computer screen to ensure accurate drawing around this structure. Start at the underside of the rostrum at the most posterior point and follow the callosum until you reach the most inferior point of the splenium. Be sure to draw the line on the corpus callosum, keeping an eye out for the line going into the ventricle.  If it is drawn in the ventricle, the line disappears and there will be a large distance recorded between points clicked.  Another obstacle to look out for is the fornix.  When the fornix is present, stop drawing at the most anterior extent where the fornix attaches to the corpus callosum and jump straight across to the most posterior extent where the two structures are attached.

References:  Figure 31i (fornix present)  Figure 31ii  Figure 31iii  Figure 31iiii

34. Superior Rostral Sulcus

Starting Point: Inferior to Genu of the corpus callosum

Direction: Posterior to Anterior

Ending Point: Medial surface, close to boundary of the dorsolateral surface

Notes: The actual sulcus may begin posterior to the genu of the corpus callosum; however, do not start posterior to the inner bend of the genu.  Make sure to verify the correct starting point and sulcal path via the mid-sagittal resliced view in Display.  The superior rostral sulcus may connect with the cingulate sulcus. If there is a bifurcation in the anterior aspect of the sulcus, take the superior path, unless the superior path extends or curves superior to the most anterior point of the genu.  In this case, take the inferior path of the sulcus.  Getting to the superior most exit point may require jumping a gyrus.  This takes precedence over continuity with a more inferior path.  The posterior end of the superior rostral sulcus, at times, abuts the para-olfactory sulcus.

References: Figure 34i (end inferior to anterior most point of genu)  Figure 34ii  Figure 34iii (start level with inner bend of genu)  Figure 34iiii (take more superior branch)

35. Inferior Rostral Sulcus

Starting Point: Inferior to Genu of the corpus callosum

Direction: Posterior to Anterior

Ending Point: Medial surface, close to the boundary of the dorsolateral surface.

Notes: The inferior rostral sulcus will most likely parallel the superior rostral sulcus inferiorally. It may be interrupted into two or more segments.  Jump the interruptions.  Make sure to verify the correct sulcal path via the mid-sagittal resliced view in Display. Do not start the line posterior to the start of the superior rostral (#34).  If a bifurcation exists at the anterior end, stop at the bifurcation.  The posterior end of the inferior rostral sulcus abuts the para-olfactory sulcus.

References:  Figure 35i  Figure 35ii  Figure 35iii Figure 35iiii

33. Paracentral Sulcus

Starting Point: Anterior portion of precentral gyrus

Direction: Superior to Inferior

Ending Point: Ending point of the Anterior Segment of the Cingulate Sulcus

Notes: This sulcus defines the anterior boundary of the paracentral lobule. The term "paracentral lobule" refers to the continuation of the precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe and the postcentral gyrus of the parietal lobe on the medial surface of the cerebrum. The paracentral sulcus defines the anterior border of the paracentral lobule, which is bordered posteriorally by the marginal ramus of cingulate sulcus. If the cingulate sulcus is interrupted, the interruption will most likely occur at or near the paracentral sulcus. Since the lobule has, at times, several sulci that can resemble the paracentral sulcus, the best approach to mapping this sulcus is to mark the anterior portion of the precentral gyrus from the "top view" under "3D View" menu button in Display. The paracentral sulcus will lie near or often anterior to the anterior border of the precentral gyrus on the medial surface. Do keep in mind the lobule's general "U" shape, which houses two gyral regions. This visualization of the lobule will help when determining where the paracentral sulcus should generally lie. The most common form of the paracentral sulcus is interrupted into two segments as in Ono p.117 (B).  In this instance, draw only the inferior portion that is connected to the cingulate sulcus.  If this form does not exist, look for the paracentral as a side branch extending superiorally from the cingulate sulcus as in Ono p.117 (A&D).  Finally, if neither of these options are available, draw the paracentral that extends inferiorally from the lateral surface, bordering the lobule as in Ono p.117 (C).  Do not cross the midline superiorally to start the line, make sure by using the "top view" under "3D View" menu button in Display.

References:  Figure 33i (cursor on precentral gyrus)Figure 33ii (split paracentral)  Figure 33iii (cursor on precentral)  Figure 33iiii (cursor on precentral)

Double Parallel Anterior Segment of the Cingulate Sulcus: is it there?
 

• The anterior cingulate may be found as part of a double parallel series of anterior segments, or just by itself.
• To determine whether or not a double parallel exists, draw 32a first as the most continuous sulcus, then if an outer segment exists, draw it as 32c.
• 32a is the inferior or the inner of the two segments and is always more continuous with the posterior segment of the cingulate than 32c.  If the outer sulcus is more continuous with 32b, there is no double parallel.  That sulcus is 32a.
• The inner segment must begin level with or inferior to the plane at the most anterior point of the genu.  In the instance that it appears to begin superior to this plane, do not draw a double parallel.  Begin on the "outer segment" using the guidelines below to determine the starting point.  Follow that segment to its end and jump to the sulcus that is most continuous with the posterior segment of the cingulate (#32b).
• The outer segment must begin level with or inferior to the most anterior point of the genu, may only jump one gyrus (too many jumps), and must end level with or posterior to the most posterior point of the rostrum in order to be drawn (too short).  If these criteria are not met, DO NOT DRAW 32c.

32a. Cingulate Sulcus, Anterior Segment

Starting Point: Anterior to the genu of corpus callosum

Direction: Anterior to Posterior

Ending Point: Intersecting at the Inferior extent of the Paracentral Sulcus

Notes: This segment is present in all brains, just superior to the callosal gyrus.  Refer to the rules above on determining whether or not a double parallel exists.  Identify 32a as the sulcus that is most continuous with 32b.  There are two different scenarios involving the starting point for the anterior cingulate sulcus. In either case, begin by using a straight edged tool (ruler or sheet of paper) that spans over 10 inches in length. With the 3D brain object in mid-saggital view, place the tool over the plane that passes through the most inferior point of the splenium and the most posterior point of the rostrum of the corpus callosum. Then begin the anterior segment of the cingulate sulcus at the intersection of this sulcus with the plane, regardless of its curve inferiorally and posteriorally. The second scenario involves an anterior cingulate sulcus that begins superior to the plane prescribed by the inferior splenium and posterior rostrum. In this case, begin drawing at the beginning of the sulcus regardless of where it stands relative the the plane.  Do not make a jump in the cingulate inferior to the anterior most point of the genu.  At the posterior extent, if the paracentral sulcus meets the cingulate sulcus, end the anterior segment there. If the paracentral sulcus comes off the dorsolateral surface or does not connect to the cingulate sulcus, end the anterior segment of the cingulate sulcus at the inferior extent of the paracentral sulcus. The cingulate may be continuous or interrupted; in either case, the ending point of the anterior segment is the same.  NOTE: In the rare case of a discontinuous anterior cingulate sulcus (ONLY FOR THIS LINE) jump later rather than sooner.  Follow each segment to its end, then make the most direct jump to the segment that is most continuous with the posterior cingulate (#32b).

References:  Figure 32ai (single anterior cingulate) Figure 32aii (starting point below anterior most point of genu)  Figure 32aiii  Figure 32aiiii (double parallel anterior cingulate, inner segment: marker on starting point)

32b. Cingulate Sulcus, Posterior Segment

Starting Point: Inferior to the paracentral sulcus or posterior to the ending point of the anterior segment of the cingulate sulcus

Direction: Anterior to Posterior

Ending Point: Medial Surface near the dorsolateral surface

Notes:  The marginal ramus of the cingulate sulcus defines the posterior border of the paracentral lobule, a medial region of the cerebrum that spans from the precentral to postcentral gyrus.  If the paracentral sulcus meets the cingulate sulcus, begin the posterior segment there. If the paracentral sulcus comes off the dorsolateral surface or does not connect to the cingulate sulcus, begin the posterior segment of the cingulate sulcus at the inferior extent of the paracentral sulcus just posterior to the ending of the anterior cingulate sulcus. Will frequently exit to the dorsolateral surface; DO NOT CROSS THE MIDLINE. End the sulcus on the medial surface.  Look at the top view to ensure that you have not crossed the midline.  It will frequently branch or bifurcate at the posterior end. If this is the case, take the segment that crosses the dorsolateral surface between the central and postcentral sulci. If both segments exit between the central and postcentral sulci, take the most anterior segment.

References:  Figure 32bi  Figure 32bii (cursor on postcentral sulcus)  Figure 32biii  Figure 32biiii

32c. Outer Segment of a Double Parallel Anterior Cingulate Sulcus (also referred to as the paracingulate sulcus)

Starting Point: Anterior to the genu of the corpus callosum, the outer of two double anterior cingulate sulci present

Direction: Anterior to Posterior

Ending Point: Adjacent or near the Paracentral Sulcus

Notes: This may not be present in all brains. A double parallel anterior cingulate sulcus is present when there are two sulci that are present, either intersecting the superior rostral sulcus or curving inferiorally and posteriorally near the genu of the corpus callosum.  The outer segment must intersect the superior rostral or curve inferior to the most anterior point on the genu to be considered the outer segment of a double parallel anterior cingulate sulcus.  It must extend posteriorally to, either level with the most posterior point of the rostrum of the corpus callosum, or to the paracentral sulcus with only one jump allowed.  If these criteria are not satisfied, do not draw the double parallel.  There are two different scenarios involving the starting point.  In either case, begin by using a straight edged tool (ruler or sheet of paper) that spans over 10 inches in length. With the 3D brain object in mid-sagittal view, place the tool over the plane that passes through the inferior part of the splenium and posterior rostrum of the corpus callosum. Then begin the outer anterior cingulate sulcus at the intersection of this sulcus with the plane regardless of its curve inferiorally and posteriorally. The second scenario involves an outer anterior cingulate sulcus that begins superior to the plane prescribed by the inferior splenium and rostrum. In this case, begin drawing at the beginning of the sulcus regardless of where it stands relative to the plane. If the outer segment meets the paracentral sulcus, end it there.  In the case of a discontinuous outer segment, which occurs more than with the inferior anterior cingulate segment, choose the sulcal path that extends to the paracentral sulcus, jumping only one gyrus.  In the case where the double parallel segment does not extend to the paracentral, end the segment where the sulcus ends accordingly.

References:  Figure 32ci (double parallel cingulate, outer segment: one jump)

36. Parieto-occipital Sulcus

Starting Point: Medial surface, close to the boundary of the dorsolateral surface

Direction: Superior to Inferior

Ending Point: Superior to Calcarine Sulcus

Notes: This sulcus divides the parietal from the occipital lobe. Also demarcates the inferior portions of parietal and occipital lobes from the temporal lobe. The parieto-occipital sulcus ends at its intersection with the anterior and posterior portions of the calcarine sulcus. It is easier to visualize it as the anterior segment of three that constitute a Y, with the remaining segments composed by the posterior calcarine (posterior segment of Y) and anterior calcarine (stem or inferior segment of Y). It will usually cross to the dorsolateral surface; to avoid this pick a starting point on the medial surface.  If it bifurcates at its superior end, take the most anterior path that crosses to the dorsolateral surface.

References:  Figure 36i  Figure 36ii (Y-intersection)  Figure 36iii  Figure 36iiii

37a. Calcarine Sulcus Anterior Segment

Starting Point: Parieto-occipital sulcus

Direction: Posterior to Anterior

Ending Point: Medial surface inferior to the splenium

Notes: The anterior calcarine continues to the posterior calcarine, yet both are separated by the intersection of the parieto-occipital sulcus, hence the Y shape.  Begin drawing at the Y intersection.  The sulcus may seem to extend in the medial surface of the temporal lobe, but do not extend further than the inferior most point of the splenium.

References:  Figure 37ai  Figure 37aii  Figure 37aiii Figure 37aiiii

37b. Calcarine Sulcus Posterior Segment

Starting Point: Medial surface near dorsolateral surface in the occipital pole

Direction: Posterior to Anterior

Ending Point: Parieto-occipital sulcus

Notes: The posterior segment will very frequently begin on the dorsolateral surface; pick a starting point on the medial surface.  Be careful not to cross the control line at the posterior extent.  The posterior segment of the calcarine may have an interruption requiring a jump.  If the sulcus bifurcates in the occipital pole, choose the starting point at the point of bifurcation unless it is on the dorsolateral surface.  Ends at the Y intersection.

References:  Figure 37bi  Figure 37bii (begin at bifurcation)  Figure 37biii  Figure 37biiii

38. Subparietal Sulcus

Starting Point: Posterior segment of the Cingulate Sulcus

Direction: Anterior to Posterior

Ending Point: At the Y intersection between the Anterior/Posterior Cingulate and Parieto-occipital sulci

Notes: This sulcus is meant to separate the precuneus from the cingulate gyrus. The precuneus is bordered by the marginal ramus of the cingulate sulcus anteriorally and the parieto-occipital sulcus posteriorally. The actual sulcus usually includes many branches and frequently resembles an H pattern: blue. Therefore, it is important to maintain a focus on following the sulcal path that outlines the inferior portion of the precuneus from the cingulate gyrus.  The sulcus begins by intersecting at the point where the marginal branch of the cingulate begins ascending most rapidly (Intersecting sulcus: red).  If no intersection or branches exist off the posterior cingulate, make the shortest direct jump from the cingulate to the subparietal.  It will frequently bifurcate at the posterior end.  Follow the most direct inferior path of the subparietal sulcus, taking the branches that get you closest to the Y intersection for the shortest jump to this intersection.  Do not draw the line inferior to the Y intersection.  Always end the sulcus at the Y intersection between the Anterior and Posterior Calcarine and Parieto-occipital sulci.  If sulcus ends naturally at parieto-occipital, follow the natural path, but then follow down the parieto-occipital sulcus to end at the required Y intersection, being very careful not to overlap or cross the lines.

References:  Figure 38i (inferior most path)  Figure 38ii  Figure 38iiiFigure 38iiii
 
 

Guidelines for Drawing the Control Lines

*Note: Change line weighting back to 0 before drawing control lines.

Imagine a plane bisecting the inter-hemispheric fissure. Generally, keep the control lines parallel to this plane without veering too far laterally to accommodate gyrification. Draw lines roughly at the location which best distinguishes the separation between the lateral and medial surface of the hemisphere.  Always draw control lines in orthogonal views, do not rotate the brain.  Be sure to follow curves of the brain to maintain the difference between the lateral and medial surface.
 
 

10m. Olfactory Control Line

Starting Point: Beginning of Olfactory Sulcus

Direction: Anterior to Posterior

Ending Point: End of Olfactory Sulcus

Notes: Draw line next to olfactory sulcus (#6) just off of midline on bottom view.

References:  Figure 10mi (bottom view)  Figure 10mii (side view)

17m. Olfactory-Superior Frontal Control Line

Starting Point: Most anterior point of Olfactory Sulcus

Direction: Inferior to Superior

Ending Point: Beginning of Middle Frontal/Superior Sulcus

Notes: Begin drawing on "bottom view", then switch to "front view" for remaining portions of segment.

References:  Figure 17mi (front view)  Figure 17mii (side view)

50m. Superior Frontal-PreCentral Control Line

Starting Point: Beginning of Superior Frontal sulcus

Direction: Anterior to Posterior

Ending Point: Precentral Sulcus

Notes: Start drawing in "front view", end drawing in "top view".  Begin segment level with the start of the Superior Frontal sulcus (#5).

References:  Figure 50mi (front view)  Figure 50mii (top view)  Figure 50miii (side view)

51m. Precentral-Marginal Ramus of Posterior Cingulate Control Line

Starting Point: Precentral Sulcus

Direction: Anterior to Posterior

Ending Point: Marginal Ramus (Posterior Segment) of the Cingulate Sulcus

Notes: In mid-saggital view, create a marker for the point at which the marginal ramus of the posterior Cingulate (#32b) exits the medial surface. This point demarcates the end of the segment.

References:  Figure 51mi (top view)  Figure 51mii (side view)

53m. Marginal Ramus of Posterior Cingulate - Parieto-Occipital Control Line

Starting Point: Marginal Ramus of Posterior Cingulate

Direction: Anterior to Posterior

Ending Point: Parieto-Occipital Sulcus

Notes: In mid-saggital view, create a marker for the point at which the Parieto-Occipital (#36) exits the medial surface.  This marks the end of the control line.  Start drawing in "top view."  End the line in "back view."

References:  Figure 53mi (top view)  Figure 53mii (back view)  Figure 53miii (side view)

54m. Parieto-Occipital - Calcarine Control Line

Starting Point: Parieto-Occipital Sulcus

Direction: Anterior to Posterior

Ending Point: Calcarine Sulcus

Notes: In mid-saggital view, create a marker for the point at which the Calcarine exits the medial surface. If the Calcarine ends without exiting the medial surface or branches at its posterior-most extent before reaching midline, create the marker level with the starting point of the posterior calcarine (#37b) at the medial/lateral boundary.  Start the segment at the marker previously created for the point at which the Parieto-Occipital exits the medial surface. End the segment at the marker just created for the exit of the Calcarine.

References:  Figure 54mi (back view)  Figure 54mii (side view)

55m. Occipital Control Line

Starting Point: Calcarine Sulcus

Direction: Anterior to Posterior

Ending Point: Termination of Collateral Sulcus

Notes: Start drawing in "back view," end drawing in "bottom view".

References:  Figure 55mi (back view)  Figure 55mii (bottom view)  Figure 55miii (side view)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

This protocol was created and tested by the following people (whom you can email with any questions or concerns):
 
 

Michael Mega

Paul Thomson

Stephanie Dittmer

Kiralee Hayashi

Chris Zoumalan
 

*Revised by Elizabeth Sowell
                     Suzanne Welcome
                     Amy Henkenius