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4 - Occipital and parietal lobes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 August 2009

David L. Clark ,
Nashaat N. Boutros  and
Mario F. Mendez
David L. Clark
Affiliation:
Ohio State University
Nashaat N. Boutros
Affiliation:
Yale University, Connecticut
Mario F. Mendez
Affiliation:
University of California, Los Angeles
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Summary

Occipital lobe

Anatomy and behavioral considerations

The occipital lobe is clearly demarcated from the parietal lobe on the medial surface by the parieto–occipital sulcus and by the anterior limb of the calcarine fissure (Figure 4.1). The short section of parieto–occipital sulcus on the dorsolateral surface is used as an anchor for an imaginary line that extends ventrally to the preoccipital notch (see Figure 5.1). This imaginary line is the border between the occipital and parietal as well as the temporal lobe on the lateral cortical surface. The border between the occipital and temporal lobes on the ventral surface is less distinct (see Figure 5.2). Some authors include all of the inferior temporal and fusiform gyri (medial occipitotemporal gyrus) with the temporal lobe; others assign the caudal portions of these gyri to the occipital lobe.

The cortex of the occipital lobe consists of Brodmann's areas (BA) 17, 18, and 19 (Figures 2.2, 2.3, 4.1, 4.2). Brodmann's area 17 is the primary visual cortex (striate cortex) and occupies a large portion of the medial aspect of the occipital lobe. Much of the primary visual cortex lies within the calcarine fissure which extends approximately 2.5 cm deep into the occipital lobe. A portion of BA 17 curves around the posterior surface of the brain onto the lateral surface of the occipital lobe. Brodmann's areas 18 and 19 are recognized as secondary and tertiary visual areas, respectively. Together, BA 18 and 19 represent the visual association area.

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The Brain and Behavior
An Introduction to Behavioral Neuroanatomy
 , pp. 35 - 52
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2005

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