Final answer:
The posterior parietal cortex is an association cortex because it integrates multisensory information for complex processing, coordinating visual and motor functions that underpin cognitive abilities and movement planning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The posterior parietal cortex is classified as an association cortex because it is responsible for integrating multisensory information and processing sensory or motor information in complex ways. This region, which lies between the somatosensory and visual cortices, coordinates visual and motor functions, such as guiding the hand to reach and pick up an object like a glass, factoring in proprioceptive feedback and the weight of the object based on its contents. The information processed in the posterior parietal cortex then interacts with other regions like the temporal and prefrontal cortex to contribute to cognitive abilities, including judgment and working memory.
These complex integrative functions of the posterior parietal cortex highlight its role as part of the dorsal visual stream, which locates objects in space and assists bodily movements in response to visual cues, connecting visual perception to motor responses. By combining inputs from various sensory modalities and contributing to spatial awareness and movement planning, the posterior parietal cortex exemplifies the sophisticated processing capabilities of the association areas in the cerebral cortex.