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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

High-resolution Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods for Human Midbrain
Published on: May 10, 2012
Near space functioning of the human angular and supramarginal gyri
Otto Bjoertomt1, Alan Cowey, Vincent Walsh
1Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Department of Psychology, University College London, London, UK. o.bjoertomt@ucl.ac.uk
The posterior parietal cortex (PPC) plays a role in near-space processing. Researchers found the right angular gyrus (ANG) and right supramarginal gyrus (SMG) are specialized for near-space visuospatial tasks.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Visuospatial Processing
Background:
- The posterior parietal cortex (PPC) is implicated in encoding events within peripersonal space.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the specific segregation of parietal areas for near-space visuospatial processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distinct roles of the right angular gyrus (ANG) and right supramarginal gyrus (SMG) in near-space visuospatial processing.
- To determine if these parietal areas are specialized for processing stimuli within peripersonal space.
Main Methods:
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied to the right ANG, right SMG, and control site (V5).
- Subjects performed symmetry judgments on visual stimuli presented in near or far space.
- Behavioral responses were analyzed to assess biases in spatial perception.
Main Results:
- TMS over the right ANG resulted in perceived line lengthening ipsilateral to stimulation, exclusively in near space.
- TMS over the right SMG induced a significant bias shift towards near space perception.
- Both ANG and SMG showed specialization for near-space visuospatial processing.
Conclusions:
- The right angular gyrus (ANG) and right supramarginal gyrus (SMG) are specialized for near-space visuospatial processing.
- Findings suggest a functional segregation within the PPC for processing peripersonal space.
- The SMG's role in near-space processing aligns with its known somatosensory functions.
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