US Medical Term · anatomy
Temporal Lobe
Lóbulo temporal
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Temporal Lobe |
| Spanish (Español) | Lóbulo temporal |
| Chinese (中文) | 顳葉 |
| Korean (한국어) | 측두엽 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Thùy thái dương |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Temporal lobe |
| Portuguese (Português) | Lobo temporal |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | สมองกลีบขมับ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 側頭葉 |
What it means
The temporal lobe is located on each side of your brain, roughly behind your temples. It processes sound and is essential for understanding spoken language. The left temporal lobe in most people handles speech comprehension, so damage there can make it hard to understand words even if you can hear them clearly. The temporal lobe also plays an important role in memory formation and storing long-term memories. It helps you recognize faces and familiar objects. Seizures that start in the temporal lobe can cause unusual sensations, deja vu, or brief episodes of staring. Temporal lobe epilepsy is one of the most common seizure disorders in adults.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My doctor said the seizures are starting in my temporal lobe.
Mi doctor dijo que las convulsiones comienzan en mi lóbulo temporal.
I have trouble understanding people when they talk — could it be my temporal lobe?
Tengo problemas para entender a la gente cuando habla — ¿podría ser mi lóbulo temporal?
The MRI showed scarring in the temporal lobe on the right side.
La resonancia magnética mostró cicatrización en el lóbulo temporal del lado derecho.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026