All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Occipital lobe of the brain
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
The occipital lobe (lobus occipitalis) is located behind the parieto-occipital groove and its conditional continuation on the upper lateral surface of the hemisphere. Compared to other lobes, it is small in size. The occipital lobe ends with the occipital pole (polus occipitalis). The grooves and convolutions on the upper lateral surface of the occipital lobe are very variable. The most frequently and best expressed is the transverse occipital groove (sulcus occipitalis transversus), which is a kind of posterior continuation of the intraparietal groove of the parietal lobe.
The occipital lobe on the outer surface does not have clear boundaries separating it from the parietal and temporal lobes. On the inner surface of the hemisphere, it is separated from the parietal lobe by the parieto-occipital groove. The convolutions and grooves of the outer surface of the occipital lobe are inconstant and variable. The inner surface of this lobe is divided by a wide groove into the wedge (cuneus) and the lingual gyrus (gyrus lingualis).
The occipital lobe is associated with visual functions. On the inner surface of the occipital lobe, in the calcarine groove area (sulcus calcarinus) and along its edges in the wedge and lingual groove, the visual conductors coming from the periphery end. These areas constitute the projection zone of the visual analyzer. In the remaining parts of the occipital lobes, in its outer sections, a more complex and subtle analysis and synthesis of visual perception are carried out.
[ 1 ]
How to examine?