Inferior temporal gyrus: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Anatomical structure in the brain}}
{{Short description|Part of the temporal lobe of the brain}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


The '''inferior temporal gyrus''' is a critical structure in the [[temporal lobe]] of the [[human brain]]. It plays a significant role in the processing of visual stimuli and is involved in the recognition of complex objects, including faces and scenes.
==Inferior Temporal Gyrus==
The '''inferior temporal gyrus''' is a region of the [[temporal lobe]] in the [[cerebral cortex]] of the [[brain]]. It is located on the lateral and ventral surfaces of the temporal lobe, below the [[middle temporal gyrus]] and above the [[fusiform gyrus]]. This gyrus plays a crucial role in the processing of visual stimuli and is involved in object recognition and the perception of complex stimuli such as faces.
 
[[File:Gray726_inferior_temporal_gyrus.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the inferior temporal gyrus (highlighted in red).]]


==Anatomy==
==Anatomy==
The inferior temporal gyrus is located on the lateral aspect of the temporal lobe, situated below the [[middle temporal gyrus]] and above the [[fusiform gyrus]]. It extends from the [[temporal pole]] anteriorly to the [[occipital lobe]] posteriorly. The gyrus is bounded superiorly by the inferior temporal sulcus and inferiorly by the occipitotemporal sulcus.
The inferior temporal gyrus is situated in the lower part of the temporal lobe, extending from the [[temporal pole]] to the [[occipital lobe]]. It is bounded superiorly by the [[middle temporal sulcus]] and inferiorly by the [[occipitotemporal sulcus]].
 
[[File:TempCapts.png|thumb|left|Lateral view of the brain showing the temporal gyri.]]
 
===Connections===
The inferior temporal gyrus is connected to various other regions of the brain, including the [[fusiform gyrus]], [[parahippocampal gyrus]], and the [[occipital lobe]]. These connections are essential for the integration of visual information and the formation of visual memories.


[[File:Brain - inferior temporal gyrus.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the brain highlighting the inferior temporal gyrus.]]
[[File:Gray727_fusiform_gyrus.png|thumb|right|The fusiform gyrus, located below the inferior temporal gyrus.]]


==Function==
==Function==
The inferior temporal gyrus is primarily involved in the processing of visual information. It is part of the [[ventral stream]], also known as the "what pathway," which is responsible for object recognition and form representation. Neurons in this region are highly responsive to complex visual stimuli, such as faces, objects, and scenes.
The primary function of the inferior temporal gyrus is the processing of visual information. It is part of the [[ventral stream]], also known as the "what pathway," which is involved in object recognition and form representation.
 
[[File:Ventral-dorsal_streams.svg|thumb|left|Diagram showing the ventral and dorsal streams of visual processing.]]


===Visual Processing===
===Role in Object Recognition===
The inferior temporal gyrus receives input from the [[primary visual cortex]] and is involved in higher-order visual processing. It integrates visual information to facilitate the recognition of objects and is crucial for visual memory. Damage to this area can result in deficits such as [[visual agnosia]], where individuals are unable to recognize objects despite having intact vision.
The inferior temporal gyrus is critical for the recognition of objects and faces. Damage to this area can result in [[visual agnosia]], a condition where individuals are unable to recognize objects despite having intact vision.


===Role in Face Recognition===
===Role in Face Perception===
The inferior temporal gyrus, along with the [[fusiform face area]] located in the fusiform gyrus, is essential for face perception. It helps in distinguishing between different faces and is involved in the recognition of facial expressions. This function is vital for social interactions and communication.
This gyrus is also involved in the perception of faces, a process that is crucial for social interactions. The [[fusiform face area]], located in the fusiform gyrus, works closely with the inferior temporal gyrus in face recognition.
 
[[File:Gray727_parahippocampal_gyrus.png|thumb|right|The parahippocampal gyrus, involved in memory encoding and retrieval.]]


==Clinical Significance==
==Clinical Significance==
Lesions or damage to the inferior temporal gyrus can lead to various neurological conditions. One such condition is [[prosopagnosia]], also known as face blindness, where individuals lose the ability to recognize familiar faces. This can occur due to stroke, trauma, or degenerative diseases affecting the temporal lobe.
Lesions in the inferior temporal gyrus can lead to deficits in visual perception and recognition. Conditions such as [[prosopagnosia]], or face blindness, can occur if the fusiform face area is affected.


==Related pages==
[[File:Bilateral222.jpg|thumb|left|Bilateral view of the brain showing the inferior temporal gyrus.]]
 
==Research and Imaging==
Functional imaging studies, such as [[fMRI]], have shown that the inferior temporal gyrus is activated during tasks involving object and face recognition. These studies help in understanding the neural mechanisms underlying visual perception.
 
[[File:Inferior_temporal_gyrus_animation_small.gif|thumb|right|Animation showing the location of the inferior temporal gyrus.]]
 
==Related Pages==
* [[Temporal lobe]]
* [[Temporal lobe]]
* [[Visual cortex]]
* [[Fusiform gyrus]]
* [[Fusiform gyrus]]
* [[Parahippocampal gyrus]]
* [[Visual agnosia]]
* [[Prosopagnosia]]
* [[Prosopagnosia]]
* [[Visual agnosia]]


[[Category:Neuroanatomy]]
[[File:Gehirn,_basal_-_beschriftet_lat.svg|thumb|left|Basal view of the brain showing the inferior temporal gyrus.]]
 
[[Category:Temporal lobe]]
[[Category:Temporal lobe]]
[[Category:Gyri]]
[[Category:Visual system]]

Latest revision as of 14:19, 21 February 2025

Part of the temporal lobe of the brain



Inferior Temporal Gyrus[edit]

The inferior temporal gyrus is a region of the temporal lobe in the cerebral cortex of the brain. It is located on the lateral and ventral surfaces of the temporal lobe, below the middle temporal gyrus and above the fusiform gyrus. This gyrus plays a crucial role in the processing of visual stimuli and is involved in object recognition and the perception of complex stimuli such as faces.

Diagram of the inferior temporal gyrus (highlighted in red).

Anatomy[edit]

The inferior temporal gyrus is situated in the lower part of the temporal lobe, extending from the temporal pole to the occipital lobe. It is bounded superiorly by the middle temporal sulcus and inferiorly by the occipitotemporal sulcus.

Lateral view of the brain showing the temporal gyri.

Connections[edit]

The inferior temporal gyrus is connected to various other regions of the brain, including the fusiform gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, and the occipital lobe. These connections are essential for the integration of visual information and the formation of visual memories.

The fusiform gyrus, located below the inferior temporal gyrus.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the inferior temporal gyrus is the processing of visual information. It is part of the ventral stream, also known as the "what pathway," which is involved in object recognition and form representation.

Diagram showing the ventral and dorsal streams of visual processing.

Role in Object Recognition[edit]

The inferior temporal gyrus is critical for the recognition of objects and faces. Damage to this area can result in visual agnosia, a condition where individuals are unable to recognize objects despite having intact vision.

Role in Face Perception[edit]

This gyrus is also involved in the perception of faces, a process that is crucial for social interactions. The fusiform face area, located in the fusiform gyrus, works closely with the inferior temporal gyrus in face recognition.

The parahippocampal gyrus, involved in memory encoding and retrieval.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Lesions in the inferior temporal gyrus can lead to deficits in visual perception and recognition. Conditions such as prosopagnosia, or face blindness, can occur if the fusiform face area is affected.

Bilateral view of the brain showing the inferior temporal gyrus.

Research and Imaging[edit]

Functional imaging studies, such as fMRI, have shown that the inferior temporal gyrus is activated during tasks involving object and face recognition. These studies help in understanding the neural mechanisms underlying visual perception.

Animation showing the location of the inferior temporal gyrus.

Related Pages[edit]

Basal view of the brain showing the inferior temporal gyrus.