Transverse temporal gyri
Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on
Synonyms: Heschl-Querwindungen
The transverse temporal gyri are part of the temporal lobe and are located on the dorsal side of the temporal lobe, serving as the primary auditory cortex, a component of the auditory pathway [^1] [^2] .
Function
The transverse temporal gyri represent the primary auditory cortex. The right and left auditory cortices process auditory impulses differently. The left side is more involved in the temporal resolution of rapidly occurring acoustic information, whereas the right side primarily analyzes tone frequency spectra and timbres. The meaningful integration of these sounds into recognized sound patterns or noises, music, words, or ultimately sentences, and the like, occurs in the secondary auditory cortex[^1].
Afferents
The auditory pathway is the main afferent of the auditory cortex. The fibers of the auditory pathway terminate here in a tonotopic arrangement, with low frequencies localized more anterolaterally and high frequencies more posteromedially.
Development
The Heschl's gyrus appears in MRI imaging at a gestational age of 24 to 25 weeks, thus developing in parallel with the functional activation of the auditory system[^3].
Imaging
The transverse temporal gyri can be visualized in MRI imaging.
