Organ
Frontal lobe
Planning actions and guiding behavior
High-yield
The precentral gyrus contains primary motor cortex, classically Brodmann area 4. Frontal eye fields near the posterior middle frontal gyrus and precentral sulcus help direct rapid eye movements toward the opposite side.
Overview
The frontal lobe contains cortical regions for initiating movement, organizing behavior and using language. Its posterior edge is the central sulcus, with the primary motor cortex immediately in front. Premotor and supplementary motor regions help prepare actions; more anterior prefrontal networks contribute to decisions, working memory and social behavior. These functions depend on connections with other brain regions.
Reference facts
- Location
- Anterior to the central sulcus; its inferior surface lies over the anterior cranial fossa, and the lateral sulcus separates much of its lateral surface from the temporal lobe
- Parts
- Precentral, superior, middle and inferior frontal gyri, plus orbital and medial regions; the anterior paracentral lobule contains medial motor cortex
- Blood supply
- ACA branches chiefly supply medial and superior regions; MCA branches, especially the superior division, supply much of the lateral surface
- Relations
- Orbital surface above the orbital plates and cribriform region; parietal lobe behind the central sulcus and temporal lobe across the lateral sulcus
- Function
- Motor execution and planning, voluntary eye movements, language production in the dominant network, and executive, motivational and social functions
Clinical correlation
Frontal injury can impair planning, motivation or behavioral restraint. Orbitofrontal injury may cause disinhibition, while other frontal lesions can cause reduced initiative or a grasp reflex. Motor and sensory abilities may remain relatively preserved in a focal prefrontal lesion, but this is not true of every frontal injury.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the frontal lobe located?
Anterior to the central sulcus; its inferior surface lies over the anterior cranial fossa, and the lateral sulcus separates much of its lateral surface from the temporal lobe.
What does the frontal lobe do?
Motor execution and planning, voluntary eye movements, language production in the dominant network, and executive, motivational and social functions.
What are the parts of the frontal lobe?
Precentral, superior, middle and inferior frontal gyri, plus orbital and medial regions; the anterior paracentral lobule contains medial motor cortex.
What is the blood supply of the frontal lobe?
ACA branches chiefly supply medial and superior regions; MCA branches, especially the superior division, supply much of the lateral surface.