Final answer:
The anterior parietal zones process tactile and proprioceptive sensations, while the posterior parietal zones integrate sensory and motor information, playing a key role in spatial perception and coordination of movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anterior (somatosensory) parietal zones, such as the postcentral gyrus identified as Brodmann's areas 1, 2, and 3, are responsible for processing tactile senses including touch, pressure, and vibration, as well as proprioception and kinesthesia, which are the senses of body position and movement, respectively. In contrast, the posterior (spatial) parietal zones serve as integrative areas between the somatosensory and visual cortex regions, critical for the coordination of visual and motor functions, such as reaching and grasping, which require multisensory integration and cognitive processing of spatial information.
The posterior parietal cortex plays a significant role in sensory functions, while the anterior regions are typically linked with motor functions. This division correlates with the development of the spinal cord, with the basal plate giving rise to motor neurons and the alar plate producing neurons that receive sensory input. Damage to the posterior parietal lobe can lead to deficits in spatial perception, as assessed by tests such as double simultaneous stimulation.