Sulcal and gyral anatomy of the orbitofrontal cortex in relation to the recurrent artery of Heubner: an anatomical study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the sulcal and the gyral anatomy of the orbitofrontal cortex with its arterial supply. Ten gross formaline fixed adult brains (20 hemispheres) were used to show the gyral and sulcal anatomy of the inferior frontal lobe, and its arterial supply. The arteries were investigated with special attention to the relationship between the recurrent artery of Heubner (RAH) and the gyrus rectus (GR). Medial and lateral orbital sulci were connected in 4 right hemispheres, and in 7 of the left. The orbital sulci were connected with olfactory sulcus in one right hemispheres, but not in the left. In the right hemispheres, the RAH traveled across the GR in 7 hemispheres and looped over the posterior aspect of the GR in 3 hemispheres. In the left hemispheres, RAH crossed the GR in 8 and looped over the posterior aspect of the GR before entering the anterior perforating substance in 2 hemispheres. There are considerable variations among the gyri and sulci of the orbitofrontal cortex and it is difficult to describe a precise architectural pattern. The RAH demands special attention during GR resection in aneurysm surgery.