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Medial frontal gyrus

The medial frontal gyrus is a prominent structure located on the medial aspect of the frontal lobe in the human brain. It is situated superior to the cingulate gyrus and extends from the frontal pole anteriorly to the paracentral lobule posteriorly. This gyrus forms part of the superior frontal gyrus when observed from the medial surface. The medial frontal gyrus plays crucial roles in higher cognitive functions, decision-making, emotional regulation, and aspects of motor control. Its distinct anatomy and vascular supply make it a key area of interest in neuroanatomy and neuroimaging.

Synonyms

  • Superior frontal gyrus (medial part)

  • Medial aspect of the superior frontal gyrus

  • Gyrus frontalis medialis (Latin)

Arterial Supply

  • Primarily supplied by the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), especially its pericallosal and callosomarginal branches

  • Small contributions may arise from the medial branches of the superior frontal arteries

Venous Drainage

  • Drained mainly by superior sagittal sinus via cortical veins

  • Also drained by small tributaries connecting to the deep venous system (such as the internal cerebral vein)

Function

  • Involved in executive functions (planning, reasoning, problem-solving)

  • Plays a role in self-awareness and introspection

  • Participates in motor planning and voluntary movement initiation

  • Important for regulation of emotions and decision-making

  • Linked with default mode network activity during rest and self-referential thought

MRI Appearance

  • T1-weighted MRI:

    • Medial frontal gyrus appears isointense to other cortical gray matter

    • Good gray-white matter differentiation

  • T2-weighted MRI:

    • Gray matter of the medial frontal gyrus is hyperintense compared to white matter

    • Sulci and gyri boundaries are clearly visualized

  • FLAIR MRI:

    • Gray matter remains hyperintense relative to white matter

    • Useful for detecting cortical lesions, edema, or gliosis in the medial frontal gyrus

CT Appearance

  • The medial frontal gyrus is not distinctly visualized as a separate gyrus on CT

  • Appears as part of the frontal lobe cortex

  • Can be differentiated from white matter by the relatively higher attenuation of cortical gray matter

  • Pathological changes (such as infarct, hemorrhage, or mass lesions) may alter density or cause loss of normal sulcation

MRI images

Medial frontal gyrus mri 3t axial image

CT image

Medial frontal gyrus CT axial anatomy image -img-00001-00001