Organ
Temporal lobe
Auditory, memory and language-related networks
High-yield
Primary auditory cortex is centered on Heschl's region, classically area 41; nearby area 42 belongs to adjacent auditory processing cortex. The medial temporal memory system includes the hippocampus and surrounding cortex.
Overview
Below the lateral sulcus, the temporal lobe includes lateral gyri and medial structures such as hippocampus and amygdala. Heschl's gyri lie on the superior surface concealed in the sulcus and contain core auditory cortex. Different temporal regions contribute to sound processing, memory, visual recognition, emotion and language.
Reference facts
- Location
- Mainly in the middle cranial fossa, below the lateral sulcus and anterior to the occipital lobe.
- Parts
- Superior, middle and inferior temporal gyri; Heschl's transverse gyri; inferior fusiform and medial parahippocampal regions, uncus, hippocampus and amygdala.
- Blood supply
- MCA branches mainly over the lateral surface and PCA branches inferomedially, with overlap and additional contributions to deep structures.
- Relations
- The temporal horn of the lateral ventricle lies within it. Medial temporal structures are near the tentorial opening; the cavernous sinus is medial to the anterior temporal region.
- Function
- Hearing, language and semantic processing, memory formation, emotion and visual recognition; its white matter also carries part of the visual pathway.
Clinical correlation
A lesion involving temporal optic-radiation fibers in Meyer's loop can impair the opposite upper visual quadrant. Medial temporal displacement through the tentorial opening may compress CN III and other nearby structures; these effects depend on the lesion's location and extent.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the temporal lobe located?
Mainly in the middle cranial fossa, below the lateral sulcus and anterior to the occipital lobe.
What does the temporal lobe do?
Hearing, language and semantic processing, memory formation, emotion and visual recognition; its white matter also carries part of the visual pathway.
What are the parts of the temporal lobe?
Superior, middle and inferior temporal gyri; Heschl's transverse gyri; inferior fusiform and medial parahippocampal regions, uncus, hippocampus and amygdala.
What is the blood supply of the temporal lobe?
MCA branches mainly over the lateral surface and PCA branches inferomedially, with overlap and additional contributions to deep structures.