A shallow groove on the surface of the cortex is called a ________. sulcus gyrus fossa furrow fissure

Final Answer

A shallow groove on the surface of the cortex is called a sulcus.

Explanation

In neuroanatomy, the surface of the brain is characterized by various folds and grooves. The folds are known as gyri (singular: gyrus), while the grooves are referred to as sulci (singular: sulcus). Sulci are designed to increase the surface area of the brain, which is vital for cognitive functions and neural processing. While other terms such as fissure refer to deeper grooves, a sulcus is a more superficial groove that separates adjacent gyri. Hence, in this context, the correct answer is sulcus. Understanding these anatomical terms is crucial in the study of brain structure and function.