Parietal Lobe Function

The parietal lobe function includes processing of information, speech, touch, etc., by integration of different information received from the body. The following article will cover functions of parietal lobe in detail.
The most complex structure and organ in the human body system is the brain. The brain is divided into different regions that includes fore brain, mid brain and hind brain. The areas of the brain and their functions help in controlling the different mental processes and body functions. The stimuli sent to and from the brain are carried by an extensive network of nerves that serve as messengers. The cerebellum is divided into different lobes of the brain and their functions vary accordingly. Of these different lobes, parietal lobe is one of the regions of the brain. The following paragraphs will focus more on the parietal lobe function and location.

Parietal Lobe Location
The parietal lobe is found under a bone called parietal bone. The parietal lobe location is sitting between the occipital lobe above it and behind the frontal lobe. The parietal lobe is divided into right and left parietal lobe that corresponds to the right and left brain hemispheres.

Function of Parietal Lobe
The main function of parietal lobe is interpretation of the position of the body in accordance to the other objects in its surroundings. The functions is differs for the right parietal lobe and left parietal lobe. The right parietal lobe function includes interpretation of spatial information and regulation of ones personality. The left parietal lobe function includes the ability to understand numbers, manipulation of different objects and perform writing tasks.

Parietal Lobe Function for Kids
The functions of parietal lobe for kids in explained in a simple in the following list:
  • Processing body sensations like temperature, pressure, touch and pain
  • Object recognition
  • Ability to read
  • Ability to solve mathematical or arithmetic problems
  • Speech
  • Visual perception (to some extent)
  • Perception of knowledge, that is, cognition
Parietal Lobe Function Tests

A parietal lobe function test is a method where the subject is shown different objects with different colors. The subject us then asked to name these objects and give their colors. The objects names are then compared with the correct object colors. The count is then compared to a predetermined data to find any possible parietal lobe deficiency. There are many other tests that help in mapping the efficiency of an individuals parietal lobe, that is, ability of perception and interpretation of sensory information.

Parietal Lobe Disorders
In case of any brain trauma or injury, cell death or brain tumors may cause parietal lobe malfunction. This damage may cause change in personality and behavior of the individual. Aphasia, a condition where a person has difficulty in remembering words or pronouncing certain types of words or languages may be seen. Also, a person may have difficulty in recognition and remembrance of numbers and making them mathematically challenged.

Other conditions associated with its functions includes Gerstmann's syndrome. This is condition occurs in association with a lesion on the dominant parietal lobe. The syndrome is associated with writing troubles, speaking problems, issues with communication with others, and problems with maths. Bilateral lesions on the parietal lobe leads to Balint's syndrome. Optic ataxia may also be observed on case of parietal damage. Left parietal temporal lesions affect verbal memory loss and ability to remember strings of digits. Changes in personality are seen due to right parietal temporal lesions.

This was all about parietal lobe function and location. Thus, in the end, one can summarize functions involving sensation and perception along with integration of sensory input, like vision. The function of parietal lobe also involves creation and perception of the spatial system of the world around us. I hope the above paragraphs have helped you learn some useful information related to human brain parts and their functions.
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Published: 7/16/2010
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