This is one component of cognitive functioning and it refers to our ability to process and interpret visual information about where objects are in space.
This is an important aspect of cognitive functioning because it is responsible for a wide range of activities of daily living.
For instance, it underlies our ability to move around in an environment and orient ourselves appropriately. Visuospatial perception is also involved in our ability to accurately reach for objects in our visual field and our ability to shift our gaze to different points in space.
The association areas of the visual cortex are separated into 2 major component pathways, and are believed to mediate different aspects of visual cognition. In humans, he parieto-occipital region is believed to process visuospatial and visual motion types of information. Whereas, the inferotemporal region of the brain is believed to mediate our ability to process visual information about the form and color of objects.
Pinel, J. (1993). Biopsychology,(2nd Edition) Allyn & Bacon: Toronto.
Kolb, B., & Whishaw, I. (1985). Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology (2nd Edition) W.H. Freeman & Co.: New York
Contributed by M. Kincade