Parietal cortex

Parietal Cerebral Cortex

The area of the brain located in the upper and posterior part of both hemispheres is known as the parietal cerebral cortex. Together with the frontal, temporal, and occipital cortices, it is one of the four main regions of the cerebral cortex.

The parietal lobe is positioned above the occipital and temporal lobes and beyond the frontal lobe and central sulcus. The right parietal lobe controls visuospatial activities, that is, non-verbal activities such as: reconstructing a visual image and the ability to orient it in space and rotate it; perceiving the trajectory of a moving object and the position of different parts of the body.

Functions

The parietal cortex integrates sensory information and perception of the body and space. Its main functions include:

1. Sensory integration. The parietal cortex receives and integrates information from different senses, such as hearing, touch, and vision. Creating a coherent representation of the surrounding environment is possible thanks to this sensory integration.
2. Perception of territory. The parietal cortex is responsible for spatial perception and orientation. It keeps objects oriented and in position in space.
3. Tactile sensitivity. Touch perception and tactile sensations are managed by the parietal cortex. It helps in identifying the shape, texture, and temperature of touched objects.
4. Graphic and spatial processing. The parietal cortex is responsible for spatial representation and visual perception. It helps understand the spatial relationships of objects and navigate in three-dimensional space.
5. Coordinating movements. The parietal cortex uses sensory information to coordinate body movements. This allows performing targeted and precise movements.

The parietal cerebral cortex is essential for integrating sensory information and perceiving the body and space. It helps us understand and interact with our environment through its numerous functions.