The Frontal Lobes and Voluntary Action

Book excerpt: This book presents an argument rather than a review: that the frontal lobes as a whole are specialized for voluntary action. For each area within the frontal lobes, a specific role in the execution of voluntary action is proposed. Topics covered include the control of movement in the motor cortex and premotor areas, decision-making in the pre-frontal cortex, response learning in the basal ganglia, and the mental trial and error that forms the basis of future responses. This analysis is based on the author's own work using the most up-to-date imaging techniques. Controversial and thought-provoking, it will serve as the basis for future work and debate on the subject.