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Home › Body Atlas › Brain & Spinal Cord › Posterior Parietal Cortex
Brain Structure Head & Skull

Posterior Parietal Cortex

cortex parietalis posterior

The posterior parietal cortex is the region behind the primary somatosensory cortex, comprising the superior and inferior parietal lobules. It combines vision, touch and body position to guide attention and movement.

Anatomical Data

Structure & Connections

LocationParietal lobe behind the postcentral sulcus, above and below the intraparietal sulcus
Parts
Connections
Blood SupplyMiddle cerebral artery; Anterior cerebral artery (medial surface)
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Creates a map of the body and surrounding space, directs attention and plans reaching and grasping.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Right-sided damage often causes neglect of the left side of space and the body. Damage on both sides can cause Balint syndrome. Left-sided damage can cause apraxia and difficulties with calculation and writing.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Hemispatial Neglect

Ignoring one side of space after posterior parietal damage, usually right-sided.

Optic Ataxia

Difficulty reaching accurately for objects under visual guidance.

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