College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What is affected with a temporal lobe injury?

1. Difficulty swallowing

2. Dizziness

3. Difficulty reading and writing

4. Difficulty understanding spoken words

The correct answer is: Difficulty understanding spoken words

A temporal lobe injury specifically impacts functions associated with auditory processing, language comprehension, and memory. One of the most notable effects is on the ability to understand spoken language. The temporal lobe houses Wernicke's area, which is crucial for language comprehension. Damage to this area can result in difficulty processing what others are saying, leading to challenges in understanding spoken words. This impairment affects communication and social interactions significantly. While other options, such as difficulty swallowing or dizziness, could arise from various neurological or physical issues, they are not primarily associated with temporal lobe injuries. Reading and writing difficulties can be linked to other areas of the brain, particularly when considering the connections between language and visual processing. Therefore, the correct focus on understanding spoken words aligns directly with the roles and functions of the temporal lobe within the broader context of brain anatomy and function.