Parietal cortex - Definition and Overview

The parietal lobe is a lobe in the brain. It is positioned above (superior to) the occipital lobe and behind (posterior to) the frontal lobe.

Anatomy

Lobes of the Human Brain (Parietal Lobe is shown in orange)

The central sulcus separates the parietal lobe from the frontal lobe, and the parieto-occipital sulcus separates the parietal and occipital lobe.

The parietal lobe can be subdivided into the superior parietal lobule and the inferior parietal lobule with the two separated by the intraparietal sulcus.

The precuneus, the postcentral gyrus, the supramaginal gyrus and the angular gyrus are part of the parietal lobe.

Function

The parietal lobe plays important roles in integrating sensory information from various senses, and in the manipulation of objects. Portions of the parietal lobe are involved with visuospatial processing.

Pathology

Gerstmann's syndrome is associated with lesion to the dominate (usually left) parietal lobe. Balint's syndrome is associated with bilateral lesions.