Topographic mapping of parietal cortex

Abstract

The parietal cortex supports a vast number of cognitive functions including visual attention, short-term memory, and decision-making. In particular, the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) is central to many of these tasks. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can identify at least six areas in IPS within individuals based upon topographic representations of the visual field. Recent studies have utilized novel mapping techniques to increase the feasibility of defining these topographic areas in individual participants with a high degree of reliability. This chapter introduces a method for demonstrating topographic maps that has been used across several different magnets and head coils to quickly and efficiently demonstrate occipital and parietal topographic maps. By increasing the efficiency with which laboratories can functionally map the parietal cortex, a greater number of studies can utilize objective identification of within-individual regions of interest. Increasing the accessibility of defining these topographic maps will further the goal of understanding the cognitive processes subserved by the parietal cortex.