What function is least likely to be affected by a temporal lobectomy in the dominant hemisphere?

The function least likely to be affected by a temporal lobectomy in the dominant hemisphere is supplementary motor deficits.

A temporal lobectomy primarily involves the removal of a portion of the temporal lobe, which is heavily involved in language processing, memory functions, and emotional regulation. In the dominant hemisphere (often the left hemisphere for right-handed individuals), regions crucial for language, such as Broca's and Wernicke's areas, are located. This means that language processing would be significantly impacted by the removal of temporal lobe tissue. Similarly, the temporal lobe plays a critical role in memory retention, particularly in forming new memories, and its removal can lead to difficulties in these areas.

Emotional regulation can also be affected because the temporal lobe contributes to the processing of emotional responses and the integration of emotional and cognitive functions.

In contrast, supplementary motor function, which is more associated with the premotor and primary motor cortices located in the frontal lobe, is less directly impacted by a temporal lobectomy. Therefore, while other cognitive and emotional functions can be significantly altered, supplementary motor deficits are not as likely to result from surgery affecting the temporal lobe, making it the correct answer.