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What Are the Functions of the Temporal Lobes?

The temporal lobes are structures in the human brain. The temporal lobe includes the hippocampus, the amygdala and the olfactory cortex. The temporal lobe is often included as part of the limbic system. The temporal lobe is located in the central portion of the cerebrum. The temporal lobe is responsible for a number of functions which are discussed below.

  1. Smell

    • The temporal lobe, along with the rest of the limbic system, is responsible for the transmission and processing of olfactory (smell) sense information.

    Emotion

    • The temporal lobe, specifically the amygdala, processes information related to fear. This applies to expressions of fear made by others, as well a personally felt fear.

    Long-Term Memory

    • The hippocampus is necessary for the processing and storage of short-term memories into long-term memories.

    Conditions

    • Epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease and ischemia (blocked blood flow) are all conditions related to problems with the hippocampus.

    Patient H.M.

    • A famous medical case is that of H.M., a man that had large portions of his temporal lobes removed. He was incapable of forming a new long-term memory following the procedure.

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