Anatomy and Topography
The cingulate gyrus is located on the medial surface of the cerebral hemispheres. It belongs to the limbic lobe, which also includes the parahippocampal gyrus and the rhinencephalon.
- On a sagittal section, key structures of the limbic system include the cingulate gyrus, indusium griseum, and fornix.
Cytoarchitectonics (Brodmann Areas)
According to the cytoarchitectonic map of the cerebral cortex, the following areas are associated with the cingulate gyrus:
- Areas 23, 24, 32, 33 — areas of the cingulate gyrus.
- Area 31 — also belongs to the cingulate gyrus region.
According to Kleist's modification, areas 33, 24, 23, and 31 are associated with body awareness (self-perception).
Involvement in the Papez Circuit
The cingulate gyrus is part of the Papez circuit — a closed pathway for the circulation of nerve impulses associated with memory processes. The pathway of the impulse in this system:
- Hippocampus — initial structure.
- Fornix.
- Mamillary bodies.
- Mamillothalamic tract (bundle of Vicq d'Azyr).
- Anterior nucleus of the thalamus.
- Thalamocingulate radiations — fibers from the anterior thalamic nucleus received by the cingulate gyrus.
- Cingulum — conducts impulses from the cingulate gyrus back to the hippocampus, closing the circuit.
Associative fibers also run from the cingulate gyrus to the neocortex.
Physiological Functions
- Emotions and motivation: The cingulate gyrus is part of the "emotional limbic brain." Excitation of the cingulate gyrus and other limbic structures circulates through the circuit, ensuring the prolonged maintenance of motivational tension.
- Autonomic regulation: The cingulate gyrus participates in the regulation of behavior and autonomic functions.
- Micturition control: Afferent fibers from the cingulate gyrus exert an inhibitory influence on the pontine micturition center. This center coordinates the simultaneous relaxation of both sphincters with the contraction of the detrusor via reticulospinal pathways.
Clinical significance
In clinical practice, pathological changes in the cingulate gyrus are classified as disorders of the limbic system.
- Neurodegenerative diseases: Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy belong to synucleinopathies. Diffuse brain atrophy is described in these diseases. The degenerative process in the limbic cortex, including the anterior cingulate gyrus, serves as the morphological substrate for dementia.
Class and exam questions
What is the Papez circuit and what is the role of the cingulate gyrus in it?
It is a closed anatomical pathway for the circulation of limbic system impulses. The cingulate gyrus receives fibers from the anterior nucleus of the thalamus and transmits impulses back to the hippocampus via the cingulum. The Papez circuit is involved in memory processes.
Which Brodmann areas are located within the cingulate gyrus?
Cytoarchitectonic areas 23, 24, 31, 32, and 33 are associated with the cingulate gyrus. Areas 33, 24, 23, and 31 are related to body awareness (self-perception).
How does the cingulate gyrus influence micturition?
Afferent fibers from the cingulate gyrus exert an inhibitory effect on the pontine micturition center.
What else to study on this topic
- Papez Circuit and the Limbic System
- Brodmann Cytoarchitectonic Areas
- Suprasegmental Control of Autonomic Functions
- Anatomy of the Hippocampus
Study the complete topic in the Anatomy course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
- Complete study guide on the "Cingulate Gyrus" topic and 1,363 other subject pages
- Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium
- AI tutor answers questions on the topic anytime
- 295 video lessons by subject
Free video lessons: AnatomyShort lessons with study notes — no registration required.
Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.