The uncus is the hook-shaped front end of the parahippocampal gyrus on the medial temporal lobe. It lies close to the free edge of the tentorium cerebelli, near the oculomotor nerve and the midbrain. The amygdala lies deep to it, and part of the primary olfactory cortex is on its surface.
| Location | Anterior medial end of the parahippocampal gyrus, beside the tentorial notch |
|---|---|
| Connections |
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| Blood Supply | Anterior choroidal artery; Posterior cerebral artery |
Contains parts of the olfactory and entorhinal cortex and overlies the amygdala, contributing to smell, emotion and memory.
When pressure rises above the tentorium, the uncus can herniate over the tentorial edge, compressing the oculomotor nerve and causing a dilated pupil on the same side, then the midbrain, causing reduced consciousness and weakness. This is a neurosurgical emergency. Seizures arising here (uncinate fits) often begin with an unpleasant smell.
Movement of the uncus over the tentorial edge causing a dilated pupil, reduced consciousness and brainstem compression.
A focal seizure beginning with an olfactory or gustatory hallucination.
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