Figure 7.1: Primary sensory areas of the cerebral cortex Shown here are the locations of the primary cortical areas for vision, hearing, somatosensation (which includes touch, temperature sensitivity, and pain), taste, and smell. The primary taste area lies in a portion of the cerebral cortex called the insula, which is buried in the fold between the parietal and temporal lobes. The primary olfactory area lies in a portion of cerebral cortex called the piriform cortex, which wraps underneath the temporal lobe. Secondary sensory processing areas generally lie near the primary areas.