The Parietal Lobe

The parietal lobe is one of the brain's major lobes, roughly located at the upper back area in the skull. It processes sensory information received from the outside world, mainly relating to touch, taste, and temperature. The parietal lobe is the primary sensory area in our brain. This area of the brain is where sensory information we encounter process: scents we smell, temperatures felt on our skin, and many more. The parietal lobe is where our brain tells us if something is too hot, if something smells good or bad, and where our body is in space.

When someone is walking or observing their surroundings, the parietal lobe allows us to understand where objects are in space. Also, this area of the brain judges distances, known as depth perception. This spatial awareness is important for tasks such as: driving, playing sports, and reaching for objects. Our parietal lobe works together primarily with our occipital lobe for these functions.

But the parietal lobe doesn't stop there. It also contributes to our language abilities, just like our frontal lobe and temporal lobe. The parietal lobe is part of a network of brain regions involved in language processing. It helps us understand the meaning of words, create mental images, and comprehend and produce speech.

The parietal lobe works together with other areas of the brain, combining sensory information from different senses, such as touch and vision. This network of connections allows for consistent exchange between the different functions.

In this blog post, we will discuss the functions of the parietal lobe and how a TBI can impact this area of the brain.

Functions of the Parietal Lobe

Sensory Perception and Integration

The parietal lobe is a complex region of the brain that serves various functions. One of its primary functions is spatial awareness and perception. This allows us to navigate our surroundings and interact with objects in our environment. The parietal lobe integrates sensory information, such as touch and vision, to create a full understanding of the space around us. This process involves the integration of visual cues, proprioception, and tactile feedback to provide perception of our surroundings. Proprioception is your body's ability to sense movement, action, and location. The parietal lobe plays a large role in judging distances. This is crucial for tasks such as driving, playing sports, and even simple actions like reaching out for an object.

The parietal lobe is also involved in sensory integration. It acts as a center for processing sensory information and integrating them into a coherent perception. When we touch something, our brain's parietal lobe puts together what we feel and what we see to help us  understand the object. These properties include texture or temperature. This combination of sensory information allows us to interact with our environment and make sense of the world around us.

Furthermore, the parietal lobe plays a crucial role in motor control. It works in conjunction with other brain regions, such as the motor cortex, to plan and execute voluntary movements. By integrating sensory information from different senses, the parietal lobe helps us coordinate our movements and navigate our environment. When we reach out to grab an object, the parietal lobe combines visual information about the object's location with proprioceptive information to guide our hand. This seamless integration of sensory and motor information is vital for our ability to interact with the world.

Parietal Lobe and Language Processing

The parietal lobe also plays an important role in language processing. It is of a network of brain regions involved in language comprehension and production. The parietal lobe works together with other areas such as the temporal lobe and the Broca's area. In this network, the parietal lobe contributes to various aspects of language processing. This includes understanding the meaning of words and speech, creating mental images, and producing speech.

One of the key contributions of the parietal lobe to language processing is its role in semantic processing. Semantic processing helps us understand the meaning of words and concepts. This happens by integrating sensory information and linking it to our knowledge and experiences. When we hear the word "cat," the parietal lobe helps us create a mental image of a cat based on our previous encounters with cats and our understanding of a cat. The ability to create mental images plays a role in our understanding of language. It also contributes to our ability to form associations between words and their meanings.

Additionally, the parietal lobe is also involved in the production of speech. It helps us plan and carry out the motor movements required for speech production. It does so by integrating sensory feedback and coordinating with other brain regions involved in the process. Coordination of these movements allows our speech to be accurate and fluent. This allows us to express our thoughts and communicate. Without the involvement of the parietal lobe, our ability to understand and produce language would not work correctly.

Parietal Lobe and Numerical Cognition

The parietal lobe is also involved in numerical cognition. This function, known as number processing, allows us to understand and manipulate numbers. The parietal lobe plays a crucial role in tasks such as number recognition, counting, and math calculations.

Research has shown that specific areas within the parietal lobe are particularly active during number processing tasks. These areas play a role in representing and manipulating numerical quantities. This includes comparing the size of different numbers or performing calculations. The parietal lobe's involvement in number cognition highlights its adaptability and ability to contribute to a wide range of cognitive functions.

Disorders and Injuries Affecting the Parietal Lobe

Like any other brain region, the parietal lobe is susceptible to disorders and injuries that can impact its functions, including a traumatic brain injury. Damage to the parietal lobe can result in various cognitive impairments, depending on the specific area affected. Damage to the right parietal lobe can lead to spatial neglect. Spatial neglect is a condition where individuals have difficulty attending to one side of their visual field. This neglect can manifest as an inability to perceive objects or events on the affected side, even though the sensory input is intact.

Injuries to the parietal lobe can also result in apraxia. In apraxia, impaired complex movement performance occurs, even though motor abilities remain intact. This impairment can affect activities such as speech, movements, and using utensils.

Rehabilitation and Treatment Options for Parietal Lobe Disorders

When someone experiences an injury to the parietal lobe, rehabilitation can help improve the lost functions. Rehabilitation can help improve impairments. Rehabilitation therapies may involve physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. These therapies work to improve motor control, spatial awareness, and language abilities through targeted therapy and interventions.