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The superior temporal sulcus (STS) in the left hemisphere is functionally diverse, with sub-areas implicated in both linguistic and non-linguistic functions. However, the number and boundaries of distinct functional regions remain to be determined. Here, we present new evidence, from meta-analysis of a large number of positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, of different functional specificity in the left STS supporting a division of its middle to terminal extent into at least three functional areas. The middle portion of the left STS stem ( f mSTS) is highly specialized for speech perception and the processing of language material. The posterior portion of the left STS stem ( f pSTS) is highly versatile and involved in multiple functions supporting semantic memory and associative thinking. The  f pSTS responds to both language and non-language stimuli but the sensitivity to non-language material is greater. The horizontal portion of the left STS stem and terminal ascending branches ( f tSTS) display intermediate functional specificity, with the anterior-dorsal ascending branch ( f atSTS) supporting executive functions and motor planning and showing greater sensitivity to language material, and the horizontal stem and posterior-ventral ascending branch ( f ptSTS) supporting primarily semantic processing and displaying greater sensitivity to non-language material. We suggest that the high functional specificity of the left  f mSTS for speech is an important means by which the human brain achieves exquisite affinity and efficiency for native speech perception. In contrast, the extreme multi-functionality of the left  f pSTS reflects the role of this area as a cortical hub for semantic processing and the extraction of meaning from multiple sources of information. Finally, in the left  f tSTS, further functional differentiation between the dorsal and ventral aspect is warranted.

The functional organization of the left STS: a large scale meta-analysis of PET and fMRI studies of healthy adults