Temporal cerebral cortex

What it is and where it is located

The temporal cerebral cortex, one of the four main regions of the brain, consists of a pair of areas on the left and right sides of the brain, positioned laterally in the skull, below the ears: this part of the cortex is essential for a wide range of functions, including language comprehension and processing, memory, emotion regulation, and auditory perception.

Its anatomical structure

Divided into four distinct lobes, each with specific tasks, the temporal cerebral cortex regulates important brain processes:

• Superior temporal lobe. It is responsible for language processing and memory.
• Middle temporal lobe. It is involved in auditory processing and memory.
• Inferior temporal lobe. Responsible for language, memory, and emotions.
• Posterior temporal lobe. Essential for visual processing and memory.

In addition, each lobe is subdivided into different regions, each with a specific role, as we will see more clearly in the next paragraph.

What functions does the temporal cortex perform?

The temporal cortex plays a fundamental role in several brain functions:

• Language processing. The temporal cortex is involved in all phases of language processing, from comprehension to expression. The understanding of spoken language is controlled by Wernicke’s area, located in the superior temporal lobe, while Broca’s area, in the inferior temporal lobe, manages the production of spoken language.
• Memory. The temporal cortex is responsible for short-term memory, which allows us to retain information for brief periods, usually a few seconds. In addition, it is involved in long-term memory, which enables us to store information for extended periods, such as days, weeks, months, or years. Episodic memory, which concerns the storage of events from our lives, is also a key function of the temporal cortex.
• Auditory perception. The temporal cortex plays a crucial role in sound perception, both in understanding spoken language and in appreciating music: the Heschl’s area, in the superior temporal lobe, is responsible for musical perception.
• Emotion. The temporal cortex is involved in the regulation of emotions, whether positive or negative. Positive emotions are influenced by the amygdala"The amygdala is a gray matter structure named after its cha... More area, located in the middle temporal lobe, while negative emotions are regulated by the hypothalamus area, also in the middle temporal lobe.

We must always bear in mind that the temporal cortex is not an autonomous organ: it interacts directly with other regions of the brain and sends and receives signals to and from the spinal cord, allowing it to communicate with the entire body. Therefore, damage to the temporal cortex can affect the functioning of distant organs, and damage to organs completely unrelated to it can hinder its ability to receive, process, and respond to various signals.

What can you do to take care of the temporal cortex?

There are several actions you can take to maintain the proper functioning of your temporal lobe, including:

• Take care of your hearing. If you have hearing problems such as hearing loss, consulting a hearing specialist, such as an audiologist, and undergoing hearing tests is essential. Hearing loss can have consequences for memory, dementiaDementia is a medical condition characterized by the progres... More, and even degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s. If necessary, use hearing aids to improve hearing.
• Stimulate the brain. The brain is like a muscle and needs to be exercised to stay healthy. Keeping it active and engaged is essential to delay age-related mental decline, especially with regard to memory. Take part in intellectual activities, solve puzzles or logic games, and cultivate stimulating interests.
• Get enough quality sleep. The brain needs adequate, high-quality sleep to function properly. Lack of sleep or poor-quality sleep can contribute to conditions such as Alzheimer’s diseaseAlzheimer’s disease, also known as Alzheimer’s dementia,... More. Make sleep a priority and adopt habits that promote restorative rest.
• Use brain support tools. Memory aids—such as calendars, planners, alarms, and smartphone apps—can help strengthen your memory and cognitive abilities. These tools do not limit brain use, but rather help keep it active and better able to face daily challenges.