Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026

Interaction between Phonological and Semantic Processes in Visual Word Recognition using Electrophysiology
Published on: June 29, 2021
Space and time in words: exploring neural overlap and specificity
Francesca Conca1, Giulia Mattavelli2,3, Claudia Gianelli4
1ICoN Cognitive Neuroscience Center, University School for Advanced Studies, IUSS, Pavia, Italy.
Background:
A common magnitude system-consistently involving the right intraparietal sulcus (IPS)-has been proposed to support the representation of space, time and numerosity. While shared mechanisms are acknowledged, domain-specific contributions have also been suggested. Among these, the role of the right precuneus remains debated, with inconclusive evidence regarding its involvement in spatial and temporal processing. Translating this question into the language domain and within a grounded cognition framework, we investigated the causal contribution of the IPS and precuneus to the processing of spatial and temporal concepts (e.g., circuit, eternity) using a state-dependent Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) priming paradigm. Twenty healthy participants received stimulation over the IPS and precuneus, and a sham stimulation over the control site (vertex).
Results:
Results showed that stimulation of the IPS abolished the priming effect observed under the sham control condition for both spatial and temporal concepts, whereas stimulation of the precuneus selectively disrupted priming for temporal concepts only.
Conclusions:
These findings support the role of the right IPS as a key area for magnitude processing in language, while also highlighting a more specific contribution of the precuneus-particularly its ventral portion-to temporal concepts.
Related Concept Videos
Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...
Language and Cognition
Association Areas of the Cortex
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Lateralization
Neuroplasticity
Parallel Processing

