Temporal Lobe: Functions, Anatomy, and Key Areas

The temporal lobe is an area of the cerebral cortex just above the ear in the brains of humans and other mammals. It is responsible for visual and auditory perception, language, balance and memory. Located under the Sylvian fissure, the temporal lobe is divided into three gyri (ridges) -- superior, middle, and inferior. Each of these areas has smaller parts that have individual functions.

Superior Temporal Gyrus

• The superior temporal gyrus is where the primary auditory cortex is located. In this area, signals from the cochlea (in the ear) are received and processed. This left section of the temporal lobe is responsible for recognizing tones and volume and translating sounds into meaning. This process is integral in language, naming and verbal recognition.

Middle Temporal Gyrus

• In the middlel temporal gyrus, memories are stored and processed. This area is involved in episodic memory (remembering information about oneself) and declarative memory (remembering facts and events). Deep within the medial temporal gyrus are the hippocampi, the areas of the cerebral cortex that process memories -- specifically, that translate short term memory to long term and control spacial memory and behavior.

Inferior Temporal Gyrus

• The inferior temporal gyrus is where high-level visual perception takes place. This includes facial recognition and understanding of scenes. This area, located in the underside of the temporal lobe, controls object recognition and visual perception.