Premotor cortex

The frontal lobe of primates consists of two large regions, a rostral region involved in cognitive functions (prefrontal lobe) and a caudal region mostly devoted to motor functions (agranular frontal cortex). This last region is formed, posteriorly, by the primary motor cortex and, anteriorly, by a mosaic of distinct areas called premotor areas. Premotor areas can be subdivided into two main classes: caudal premotor areas and rostral premotor areas. The caudal premotor areas elaborate sensory information for action. The rostral premotor areas appear to play a control role on the caudal areas, relaying to them information from the prefrontal and cingulate cortex on individuals' motivation and long-term plans. In this way, potential motor actions formed in the caudal premotor areas can be executed or not according to the individual's needs.