Temporal Plane Of The Human Brain (Side View)

Description

Planum temporale occupies the supratemporal plane on the superior surface of the temporal lobe, extending posteriorly from the transverse temporal gyri (Heschl gyri) toward the posterior end of the lateral sulcus (Sylvian fissure). From the lateral side view, the superior temporal gyrus forms the inferior margin of the fissure, while the planum temporale sits just deep to that superior temporal lip, sloping medially toward the insular region. Posterior to the primary auditory cortex on Heschl gyrus, this triangular cortical field broadens as it approaches the temporoparietal junction. A classic perisylvian landmark. Anatomists and clinicians focus on the planum temporale because it anchors cortical maps of auditory association function and language lateralization, with well-described leftward surface area asymmetry in many right-handed individuals and altered patterns reported in developmental language disorder and schizophrenia. The fixed lateral perspective makes it easier to orient the planum relative to the superior temporal gyrus and the posterior ramus of the lateral sulcus, which matters when teaching how perisylvian cortex is partitioned into primary auditory cortex, auditory association cortex, and the posterior superior temporal region that overlaps the receptive language network. In surgical planning for temporal lobe epilepsy or tumor resection, this relationship helps communicate why preserving cortex adjacent to Heschl gyrus and posterior superior temporal areas can reduce risk of postoperative auditory agnosia or language deficits. Use this illustration in gross neuroanatomy and neuropsychology teaching to correlate sulcal landmarks with auditory and language function, and in neurology or neurosurgery publications discussing middle cerebral artery inferior division infarcts that affect posterior superior temporal cortex and can produce Wernicke aphasia. It also fits audiology and speech-language pathology materials where the supratemporal plane is introduced alongside primary auditory cortex and planum temporale asymmetry. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.