The planum temporale is a triangular area on the upper surface of the superior temporal gyrus, lying just behind the transverse temporal gyri inside the lateral sulcus. It is usually larger on the left side, one of the best-known anatomical asymmetries of the brain. It forms part of Wernicke area in the dominant hemisphere.
| Location | Superior surface of the superior temporal gyrus, posterior to Heschl gyrus, within the lateral sulcus |
|---|---|
| Parts | |
| Connections |
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| Blood Supply | Middle cerebral artery (posterior temporal branches) |
Analyses complex sounds, especially speech, and contributes to language comprehension in the dominant hemisphere.
Its left-sided enlargement is linked to language dominance, and altered asymmetry has been reported in dyslexia and schizophrenia. Lesions in the dominant planum temporale contribute to receptive aphasia. It is assessed in research rather than routine clinical practice.
Impaired understanding of spoken language when the dominant planum temporale and surrounding cortex are damaged.
Problems analysing complex sounds such as speech, linked to dysfunction of auditory association areas.
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