Parietal Lobe Functions

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 function and location of the parietal lobe.

Function and Location

The parietal lobe is found under a bone called parietal bone. It is located 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.

The main function of parietal lobe is interpretation of the position of the body in accordance with other objects in its surroundings. The functions of the right parietal and left parietal lobe differ from each other. The right one functions to interpret spatial information and regulate one's personality. The left parietal lobe function includes the ability to understand numbers, manipulation of different objects, and performing writing tasks.

Functions

✛ 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

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 object's names are then compared with the correct object colors. The count is then compared to  predetermined data to find any possible parietal lobe deficiency.

There are many other tests that help in mapping the efficiency of an individual's parietal lobe, that is, ability of perception and interpretation of sensory information.

Disorders

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

Other conditions associated with its functions includes Gerstmann's syndrome. This condition occurs in association with a lesion on the dominant parietal lobe. The syndrome is associated with writing troubles, speaking problems, issues in communication with others, and problems with maths.

Bilateral lesions on this lobe leads to Balint's syndrome. Optic ataxia may also be observed in 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 temporal lesions in the right lobe.

Thus, in the end, one can summarize functions involving sensation and perception along with integration of sensory input, like vision. The function also involves creation and perception of the spatial system of the world around us.