The superior temporal gyrus contains the primary auditory
cortex, which is responsible for processing sounds. Specific sound
frequencies map precisely onto the primary auditory cortex. This
auditory (or tonotopic) map is similar to the homunculus map of the
primary motor cortex. Some areas of the superior temporal gyrus are
specialized for processing combinations of frequencies, and other
areas are specialized for processing changes in amplitude or
frequency. The superior temporal gyrus also includes the Wernicke's
area, which (in most people) is located in the left hemisphere. It
is the major area involved in the comprehension of language. The
superior temporal gyrus (STG) is involved in auditory processing,
including language, but also has been implicated as a critical
structure in social cognition.