Temporal Lobe Function

The human brain is the key element of the nervous system, consisting of about 100 billion nerve cells, or neurons. These cells pass signals to each other through synaptic connections. The brain is responsible for monitoring and regulating body's actions and reactions. It analyzes the sensory information or signals received through the neurons, and continuously responds, controlling the actions and functions of the body.
The brain is divided into two cerebral hemispheres, which are covered by gray matter called cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex is nearly symmetrical with left and right hemisphere, and is divided into four sections or lobes, namely, frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe and the temporal lobe. Each lobe has a specific function.

Temporal Lobe
The temporal lobes are situated on either sides of the brain, just above the ears. It is a region of the cerebral cortex, located anterior to the occipital lobes and beneath the Sylvian fissure. The temporal lobe is the location of the primary auditory cortex, which is responsible for interpreting sounds. The temporal lobe is also divided into right brain- left brain functions, like most regions of the brain, according to which, the right temporal lobe controls the left side of the body and the left lobe controls the right side of the body.

Functions of the Temporal Lobe
Now you must be wondering how does the temporal lobe function! Here are the basic functions of the temporal lobe. Have a look at them.

Speech
Speech is governed by the left temporal lobe of the brain. This lobe contains the language zone, Wernicke's area, which is a part of the brain that is responsible for controlling the mental processing necessary for speech. It controls the processes involved in comprehension and verbal memory.

Memory
The hippocampus, which plays a crucial role in long term memory retention is located in the temporal lobe. It stores the essential components of memory, that you can recall consciously and describe. These memories can be anything like, facts, events, people and places. It plays an important role in retrieving information stored in the brain. It is an important function of temporal lobe.

Reading
Reading comprehension and retention entirely depends on the temporal lobe. It processes the sounds and written words into meaningful information. The temporal lobe allows you to remember what you read and stores the information for you to recollect later.

Emotional Responses
The amygdalae, located deep within the temporal lobes play an important role in processing memory of emotional responses. It enhances mood stability, and deflection in the activity of this lobe can cause fluctuating or unpredictable moods and behavior. The temporal lobe is also concerned with the expression of fear. Researchers say that the temporal lobes may be stimulated during spiritual or religious experiences, and those with temporal lobe epilepsy appear to be highly sensitive to extraordinary experiences.

Auditory Responses
A section in the temporal lobe known as the primary auditory cortex, is responsible for receiving and interpretation of information that is transmitted through the auditory responses. It responds to different sound frequencies and also helps in determining the location of a particular sound.

Visual Processing
The most advanced types of visual memory are processed and interpreted by the lower portions of the temporal lobe. Feelings of conviction and insight are also due to the temporal lobes.

Olfactory Functions
The olfactory lobe, which is responsible for identification and recognition of olfactory information is situated in the lower surface of the temporal lobe.

This was all about the temporal lobe and its functions. The next time you find it difficult to remember or recollect something, be sure it's the temporal lobe function that has gone wrong.