Temporal sulcus

Temporal sulcus is a sulcus, or groove, in the brain that separates the temporal lobe from other brain structures. It is one of the most prominent sulci of the brain, and its location and structure have been extensively studied in neuroanatomy and neuroscience.

Anatomy

The temporal sulcus runs horizontally along the side of the brain, roughly parallel to the Sylvian fissure. It separates the superior temporal gyrus from the middle temporal gyrus, two of the main gyri of the temporal lobe. The sulcus is not a single continuous groove, but is often divided into several segments by gyri that cross it.

Function

The exact function of the temporal sulcus is not fully understood, but it is believed to play a role in separating and organizing different areas of the temporal lobe. The superior and middle temporal gyri, which are separated by the temporal sulcus, are involved in different aspects of cognition, including language processing, auditory processing, and memory. Therefore, the temporal sulcus may play a role in segregating these different cognitive functions.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the temporal sulcus, such as changes in its depth or position, have been associated with several neurological and psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, autism, and dyslexia. However, the exact relationship between these conditions and the structure of the temporal sulcus is still a topic of ongoing research.

See also

• Sulcus (neuroanatomy)
• Temporal lobe
• Superior temporal gyrus
• Middle temporal gyrus