The gyrus parietalis superior, also known as the superior parietal gyrus, is a prominent structure located in the parietal lobe of the brain. It is one of the four major gyri present in the parietal lobe, alongside the inferior parietal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, and precuneus.
The gyrus parietalis superior is positioned above the postcentral sulcus and extends towards the parietooccipital sulcus, forming the upper boundary of the parietal lobe. It plays a crucial role in various cognitive functions and sensory processing.
Functionally, the gyrus parietalis superior is involved in multisensory integration, spatial awareness, perception of touch and pressure, as well as somatosensory processing. It receives inputs from various sensory modalities, such as vision, touch, and proprioception, and integrates them to create a comprehensive representation of the body and the external world.
Moreover, the gyrus parietalis superior is implicated in the processing of attention, working memory, and sensorimotor integration. It is involved in the coordination of eye and hand movements, as well as the planning and execution of complex motor tasks.
Damage or dysfunction of the gyrus parietalis superior can lead to deficits in spatial perception, attention, working memory, and sensory integration. Individuals with lesions in this area may experience difficulties in perceiving and integrating sensory information or may exhibit impaired motor coordination and planning.
In summary, the gyrus parietalis superior is a critical brain structure involved in several sensory, cognitive, and motor functions. Its role in multisensory integration, spatial perception, and attention highlights its significance in creating a coherent representation of our surroundings and guiding our motor behaviors.
