

Within the core (A1), its structure preserves tonotopy, the orderly representation of frequency, due to its ability to map low to high frequencies corresponding to the apex and base, respectively, of the cochlea.ĭata about the auditory cortex has been obtained through studies in rodents, cats, macaques, and other animals. īesides receiving input from the ears via lower parts of the auditory system, it also transmits signals back to these areas and is interconnected with other parts of the cerebral cortex. The belt is the area immediately surrounding the core the parabelt is adjacent to the lateral side of the belt. The modern divisions of the auditory cortex are the core (which includes primary auditory cortex, A1), the belt (secondary auditory cortex, A2), and the parabelt (tertiary auditory cortex, A3). The auditory cortex was previously subdivided into primary (A1) and secondary (A2) projection areas and further association areas. For example, unilateral destruction, in a region of the auditory pathway above the cochlear nucleus, results in slight hearing loss, whereas bilateral destruction results in cortical deafness. The auditory cortex's function may help explain why particular brain damage leads to particular outcomes. The cortex then filters and passes on the information to the dual stream of speech processing. The auditory cortex takes part in the spectrotemporal, meaning involving time and frequency, analysis of the inputs passed on from the ear. It is located bilaterally, roughly at the upper sides of the temporal lobes – in humans, curving down and onto the medial surface, on the superior temporal plane, within the lateral sulcus and comprising parts of the transverse temporal gyri, and the superior temporal gyrus, including the planum polare and planum temporale (roughly Brodmann areas 41 and 42, and partially 22). It is a part of the auditory system, performing basic and higher functions in hearing, such as possible relations to language switching.


The auditory cortex is the part of the temporal lobe that processes auditory information in humans and many other vertebrates. BA22(yellow) is Brodmann area 22, HF(blue) is hippocampal formation and pSTG is posterior part of superior temporal gyrus. BA41(red) and BA42(green) are auditory cortex.
