Temporal Lobe
The temporal lobe is associated with auditory stimuli, memory, speech, reading, visual processing, and emotional responses. Because the temporal lobe is so vitally linked with vision and hearing, it also affects how you behave in the world based on outside inputs. Long-term memory storage and retrieval also take place in the temporal lobe. When you smell a familiar smell and it reminds you of a memory, that's happening in the temporal lobe.
The temporal lobe functions to regulate basic behavior and personality. Agitation, irritability, and childish behavior are produced in the temporal lobe. Frequent jet lag can damage your temporal lobe. If the temporal lobe is damaged, it can cause personality changes. These changes commonly appear as a loss of humor and an increased activity level. One of the functions of the temporal lobe is regulating violent and sexual impulses, and severe damage may interfere with this ability.
How does this relate to music?
The hippocampus, a part of the temporal brain, is activated once music is heard. Music stirs emotions such as joy, tenderness, relaxation, and serenity if it gives off a positive vibe. The temporal lobe is associated with music recognition and the distinguish between whether you find a beat pleasurable or not. Injury to the temporal lobe impairs your ability to learn melodies.
The right temporal lobe has been shown to play a greater role in producing and recognizing melodies, while the left temporal lobe plays a greater role in rhythm. It has been suggested the right temporal lobe has a special function in extracting and isolating pitch from sound, whether the sound is from speech or music. |