The primary auditory cortex (Brodmann areas 41 and 42) lies on the transverse temporal gyri of Heschl, deep in the lateral sulcus. It receives input from the medial geniculate body of the thalamus via the auditory radiation. Sound frequencies are laid out in an orderly map, from low to high pitch.
| Location | Transverse temporal gyri on the upper surface of the superior temporal gyrus, within the lateral sulcus |
|---|---|
| Parts |
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| Connections |
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| Blood Supply | Middle cerebral artery (temporal branches) |
Carries out the first cortical analysis of sound: pitch, loudness, timing and location.
Because each ear sends signals to both hemispheres, damage on one side rarely causes deafness, though it may affect sound localisation and understanding speech in noise. Bilateral damage causes cortical deafness or auditory agnosia. Auditory hallucinations can arise from seizures in this area.
Loss of hearing from bilateral damage to the primary auditory cortex with normal ears.
Inability to recognise sounds despite intact hearing, from damage to auditory cortex.
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