Transverse temporal gyri

The transverse temporal gyri, also known as Heschl's gyri or Heschl's convolutions, are located deep inside the lateral sulcus of the human brain. They are situated in the lower lip of the lateral sulcus and hence can be found on the upper surface of the superior temporal gyrus. Unlike many other cortical gyri that run from the front to the back, the transverse temporal gyri are oriented sideways; from medial to lateral.

These transverse temporal gyri form part of the primary auditory cortex and occupy Brodmann areas 41 and 42. They play a crucial role in the early processing of sound for speech comprehension. Within the transverse temporal gyri, discrimination of sound occurs based on its frequency. The more medial areas process high-frequency sounds, while the more lateral areas process low-frequency sound information. Additionally, the transverse temporal gyri are also sensitive to variations in the duration and intensity of sound waves. All of these characteristics emphasize the vital role that the transverse temporal gyri play in the primary processing of auditory information.