"Planum temporale" is a Latin phrase used to describe a specific area of the brain. It is spelled phonetically as /ˈplɑːnʊm tɛmpəˈreɪli/. The first syllable, "planum," is pronounced with a long "a" sound and a stressed "u" sound. The second word, "temporale," is stressed on the second syllable and the final "e" is pronounced like a short "a." The phonetic transcription helps to convey the correct pronunciation for this complex term.
The planum temporale is a brain structure located in the temporal lobe of the cerebral cortex, specifically in the superior temporal gyrus. It is part of the temporal lobe's auditory processing pathway and plays a crucial role in auditory perception, particularly in the recognition of complex sounds and speech.
The planum temporale is typically larger and more developed in the left hemisphere of the brain, regardless of the individual's handedness. This asymmetry is thought to be associated with language processing and is known as the leftward planum temporale asymmetry. It is believed to be involved in the processing of language sounds, such as phonemes, words, and prosody.
This brain region is densely interconnected with other areas involved in language and auditory processing, including the auditory cortex, Wernicke's area, and Broca's area. It receives information from the ears through the auditory pathways and integrates it with other sensory and cognitive inputs to form a comprehensive understanding of auditory stimuli.
Research has shown that abnormalities or alterations in the planum temporale's structure and function may be implicated in certain language disorders, such as dyslexia and auditory processing disorders. Additionally, the planum temporale has been the focus of investigations into the neural basis of musical expertise due to its involvement in the perception and analysis of musical sounds.
Overall, the planum temporale is an essential brain region involved in auditory processing, language, and music perception, making it a crucial component of the human auditory cortex.
A slightly depressed area on the side of the cranium, below the inferior temporal line, formed by the temporal and parietal bones, the greater wing of the sphenoid, and a part of the frontal bone.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "planum temporale" is derived from Latin. "Planum" means "plain" or "level", and "temporale" refers to the temporal lobe of the brain. Together, the term "planum temporale" translates to "temporal plane" in English. It is used to describe a specific area of the brain's cortical surface that is found in the posterior part of the lateral fissure, near the Sylvian fissure.