The Temporal Lobe: Anatomy

Question 1

What are the 3 major gyri?

Answer 1

1. Superior Temporal Gyrus
2. Middle Temporal Gyrus
3. Inferior Temporal Gyrus

Question 2

Where are the 3 major gyri visible?

Answer 2

The lateral surface of the temporal lobe.

Question 3

Where are the auditory and visual areas located?

Answer 3

Within the brodmann’s areas on the lateral surface.

Question 4

Apart from the lateral view how is the temporal-lobe gyri also visible?

Answer 4

In the medial view.

Question 5

What does the medial temporal lobe include?

Answer 5

The pyriform cortex, the uncus and extensions of the hippocampal formation.

Question 6

What does the superior temporal sulcus (STS) do?

Answer 6

Separates the superior and middle temporal gyri and houses a significant amounts neocortex as well.

Question 7

What are the 2 subdivisions of the temporal cortex?

Answer 7

1. Superior Temporal Sulcus (STS)
2. Temporal-Parietal Junction (TPJ)

Question 8

What is the temporal-parietal junction (TPJ) linked to?

Answer 8

Attention, memory, language and social processing

Question 9

What are the 6 connections of the temporal cortex?

Answer 9

1. A sensory pathway
2. A dorsal auditory pathway
3. A polymodal pathway
4. A medial-temporal projection
5. A frontal-lobe projection
6. Olfactory projections

Question 10

What is the sensory pathway responsible for?

Answer 10

Stimulus recognition

Question 11

What is the dorsal auditory pathway responsible for?

Answer 11

Directing movements with respect to auditory information.

Question 12

What is the polymodal pathway responsible for?

Answer 12

Stimulus categorisation

Question 13

What is the medial-temporal projection important for?

Answer 13

Long-term memory

Question 14

What is the frontal-lobe projection important for?

Answer 14

Movement control, short-term memory and affect

Question 15

What are the olfactory projections related to?

Answer 15

Odour perception and memory