Temporal lobe

One of the four major lobes of the cerebral cortex in the brain.

It is located beneath the lateral fissure on both cerebral hemispheres.

The temporal lobe has four surfaces. The medial surface has a complicated microanatomy showing close relation to the intraventricular structures, such as the amygdala or the hippocampus. There are many white matter bundles in the temporal lobe showing relation to the extra- and intraventricular structures ¹⁾.

see Anterior temporal lobe.

see Left temporal lobe.

see medial temporal lobe.

see mesial temporal lobe.

see Inferior temporal gyrus.

see Middle temporal gyrus.

see Superior temporal gyrus.

The temporal lobes are involved in the retention of visual memories, processing sensory input, comprehending language, storing new memories, emotion, and deriving meaning.

Those of the temporal lobe anastomose with the middle cerebral vein and basal veins, and join the cavernous, sphenoparietal, and superior petrosal sinuses.

The venous drainage of the temporal lobe, through bridging veins to the middle cranial fossa, is pivotal in determining the surgical corridor for skull base tumors. In dealing with select cases, where venous drainage was an obstacle in the surgical approach In an attempt to detether the temporal lobe, the disconnection of the bridging veins from the temporal lobe to the middle cranial fossa floor in the first stage may lead to re-direction of the venous outflow over time. This may allow skull base surgeons a better surgical corridor and ensure safety of venous structures during the definitive surgery ²⁾.

see Temporal lobe tumor

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy

In the first phase of central herniation, the diencephalon and the medial parts of both temporal lobes are forced through a notch in the tentorium cerebelli.