What functions do the temporal lobes control?

Temporal Lobe Functions

The temporal lobes control auditory processing, language comprehension, memory formation, semantic knowledge, visual object recognition (particularly faces), and emotional processing through connections with the limbic system. 1

Primary Functional Domains

Language Processing

The left temporal lobe serves as the critical hub for language functions:

• Wernicke's area in the left superior temporal gyrus is essential for language comprehension, with word comprehension deficits strongly correlated with blood flow within this region 1, 2
• The left posterior middle temporal/fusiform gyrus is crucial for naming functions 1
• The left temporal pole is involved in lexical and semantic retrieval of knowledge 1
• Damage to the left superior temporal gyrus results in Wernicke's aphasia, characterized by fluent but meaningless speech with poor comprehension 1

Auditory Processing

• Auditory processing follows a hierarchical organization with increasingly complex sound processing occurring as information moves from primary to association areas 1
• The superior temporal gyrus processes auditory information in a systematic manner from basic sound detection to complex auditory comprehension 1

Memory Formation and Consolidation

• The hippocampal formation and associated structures are critical for memory formation and consolidation 1
• The dentate gyrus plays a crucial role in memory formation, with abnormalities found in a significant portion of individuals with memory deficits 1
• Bitemporal glucose hypometabolism is associated with memory deficits and higher risk of postoperative memory decline following temporal lobe surgery 1

Semantic Memory and Knowledge

• The bilateral anterior temporal lobes (ATLs) function as a domain-general semantic hub, supporting semantic memory across all categories 3, 4
• The ATLs underpin a resilient bilateral representation system that supports semantic memory, person knowledge, and face recognition 3
• There is evidence for a bias towards social information or stimuli that is personally relevant within the ATL 4

Visual Processing and Face Recognition

• The left posterior inferior temporal gyrus (pITG) and fusiform cortex are critical for reading and spelling 2
• The temporal lobes, particularly the right ATL, contribute to face recognition and person-specific knowledge 3
• Face matching performance is preserved but slightly reduced with right temporal lobe damage 3

Emotional and Autonomic Function

• The temporal lobe has important reciprocal connections to the limbic system, including the limbic cortex, hypothalamus, and amygdala, forming a key network in controlling autonomic function 1
• Hypometabolism associated with the ipsilateral insular cortex may correlate with emotional or somesthetic symptoms 1

Anatomical Organization

The lateral surface includes the superior, middle, and inferior temporal gyri, which are involved in various functions such as auditory, language, and visual processing 1

Clinical Significance

Consequences of Temporal Lobe Dysfunction

• Temporal lobe epilepsy presents with distinctive symptoms including auras, emotional or psychic symptoms, and automatisms 5
• Language impairments result from left temporal damage, with specific deficits depending on the precise location 1
• Memory deficits occur with bilateral temporal involvement or hippocampal damage 1
• Emotional and behavioral changes can result from disruption of limbic connections 1

Lateralization Considerations

• The left temporal lobe is dominant for language in most individuals 1, 2
• The right temporal lobe shows relative specialization for face recognition and non-verbal memory 3
• Bilateral damage produces more severe deficits than unilateral damage across all domains, reflecting the resilient bilateral representation system 3