When it comes to the human brain, there are different regions that have unique functions. Some regions, such as the frontal lobe and parietal lobe, are known for their abilities to facilitate specific actions or thinking.
The frontal lobe and parietal lobe are located in the cerebrum, which is the largest part of our brain. Both of these lobes serve critical roles in different aspects of our behavior, thoughts, and motor functions. However, there are some significant differences between the frontal lobe and the parietal lobe that set them apart.
Location of the Frontal Lobe and Parietal Lobe
The frontal lobe is located in the front of the brain, specifically underneath the forehead, while the parietal lobe is situated directly behind the frontal lobe. However, the part of the parietal lobe that is located behind the frontal lobe is responsible for sensory and motor functions.
The different locations of both the frontal and parietal lobes make it possible for these two regions of the brain to specialize in different types of functions. The frontal lobe, located in the anterior part of the brain, has unique features that make it essential in the regulation of our behavior and emotions, a role that the parietal lobe does not play.
Functions of the Frontal Lobe
The frontal lobe serves different functions, including motor function control, speech processes, personality, and behavior regulation. The motor regions of the frontal lobe are essential for coordinating voluntary movements of the body’s skeletal muscles.
Additionally, the frontal lobe houses Broca’s area, which is critical for speech processing. It is this region of the frontal lobe that helps us to articulate well and communicate effectively.
The frontal lobe also plays crucial roles in our personality, social skills, behavior, and emotions. The prefrontal cortex, which is situated in the frontal lobe, is responsible for our ability to consider future possibilities, understand cause and effect in our behavior, modulation of emotions, and making decisions.
Subdivisions of the Frontal Lobe
The frontal lobe can be subdivided into several areas, each of which performs specialized functions. These include the following:
- The precentral gyrus, which houses the primary motor cortex.
- The premotor cortex, which provides the necessary preparation for movement control.
- The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, executive functions, and working memory.
- The anterior cingulate cortex, which is responsible for error detection, regulating blood pressure, and heart rate.
Functions of the Parietal Lobe
The parietal lobe, located behind the frontal lobe, is responsible for processing tactile and proprioceptive information. The sensory cortex in the parietal lobe controls sensory perceptions that include touch, pressure, and temperature around the body.
The sensory cortex can be further subdivided into various specialized areas, each of which is responsible for processing different types of sensory information.
Subdivisions of Parietal Lobe
The parietal lobe can be divided into the following regions:
- The primary sensory cortex, which processes touch, pressure, temperature, and pain.
- The somatosensory association cortex, which integrates sensory information to give meaning to the sounds, smells, and sights of things.
- The angular gyrus, which is responsible for reading.
- The supramarginal gyrus, which processes speech and written language.
Differences Between Frontal Lobe and Parietal Lobe
While both the frontal lobe and parietal lobe serve critical roles in the functioning of the brain, there are various differences between these regions. One of the primary differences is their location, with the frontal lobe being located in the anterior part of the brain while the parietal lobe is located posteriorly.
The frontal lobe is responsible for regulating our emotions, behavior, and personality, while the parietal lobe is responsible for processing of sensory information.
Additionally, the frontal lobe can be subdivided into several specialized areas, each of which performs specific functions, while the primary sensory cortex controls the parietal lobe’s processing of sensory perceptions.
Most Common Questions and Answers
- What is the role of the frontal lobe?
The frontal lobe regulates our behavior, emotions, personality, speech processes, and motor function control. - What is the role of the parietal lobe?
The parietal lobe processes tactile and proprioceptive information. - What are the differences between the frontal lobe and parietal lobe?
The frontal lobe is responsible for regulating our emotions, behavior, and personality, while the parietal lobe is responsible for processing sensory information. - Is the brain’s functioning impaired if any of these lobes are damaged?
Yes. If the frontal lobe or parietal lobe is damaged, the person could experience different symptoms, including speech problems or difficulty walking, among others.
References
Bishop, S. & Robertson, M.M. (2001) The Cerebral Cortex: Frontal, Parietal, Sensory, and Motor Areas. Clinical, Autonomic and Behavioral Neuroscience, 2, 28-30.
Drager, B. (2006) The Human Brain: Surface, Three-Dimensional Sectional Anatomy with MRI, and Blood Supply. Academic Press.
Stanford Medicine. (2021) The Cerebrum. Stanford Medicine. Retrieved 11 August, 2021 from https://med.stanford.edu/medchrome/posts/brain-anatomy/the-cerebrum.html.