Frontal cerebral cortex

A few words in general about the cerebral cortex

The cerebral cortex is a distinctive layer of gray matter covering the outer surface of the brain: more precisely, it can be described as the thin covering of gray matter that envelops the cerebral hemispheres. These hemispheres, two large semi-spherical formations separated by a deep longitudinal fissure, make up the brain as a whole. The cerebral cortex represents the most extensive and functionally essential part of the entire central nervous system. By convention, the cerebral cortex of each hemisphere can be divided into four main regions, known as “cerebral lobes” or “brain lobes”. These lobes are individually identified as the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, and occipital lobe. In this glossary entry, we focus on the frontal part of the cortex to explore its characteristics and functions.

 

Why the frontal cerebral cortex is called so

The frontal cerebral cortex gets its name from its anatomical position at the forefront of the brain, located at the anterior and upper part of the two cerebral hemispheres. It is the largest of the four cortical areas and represents a region of significant importance for controlling higher cognitive functions and complex behaviors in humans.

How it is divided

The frontal cerebral cortex can be divided into various functional and anatomical regions, each with specific responsibilities and neural connections. These subdivisions include:

• Prefrontal CortexThe prefrontal cortex plays a fundamental role in numerous p... More. This is the anterior portion of the frontal cortex and is involved in complex executive functionsThe term 'executive functions' refers to a set of mental pro... More, such as abstract thinking, planning, reasoning, judgment, decision-making, and emotional regulation. The prefrontal cortex is crucial for personality and social behavior. It is a specific part within the frontal lobe. The frontal lobe is the outermost area of the brain, and the prefrontal cortex is one of its functionally and anatomically distinctive regions. While the frontal lobe includes the prefrontal cortex, the latter is only part of this broader lobe, which also includes the following cortical areas:

• • Orbitofrontal Cortex. Located in the lower part of the prefrontal cortex, it plays a key role in monitoring social interactions and processing emotions.
  • Medial Frontal Cortex. Located at the center of the frontal cortex, it is involved in self-awarenessIl termine autoconsapevolezza si riferisce primariamente all... More, empathyEmpathy is a fundamental skill that allows us to connect wit... More, and introspection.
  • Lateral Frontal Cortex. This region is involved in various functions, including language and voluntary motor control, and is subdivided into premotor cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
  • Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex. Located at the front of the cingulate cortex, it participates in decision-making and emotion regulation.

• Primary Motor Cortex. Located at the posterior part of the frontal cortex, it is involved in controlling voluntary movements of the body. It is precisely mapped to different body parts, a phenomenon known as the “motor homunculus”.

What the motor cortex does

The motor cortex, located in the posterior part of the frontal cortex, is responsible for regulating and controlling voluntary body movements. This region is directly connected to the motor system and serves as the starting point for sending signals to muscles involved in voluntary movements. The left frontal lobe primarily controls movements of the right side of the body, while the right frontal lobe manages movements of the left side.

The primary motor cortex has a precise body representation, known as the ‘motor homunculus’, which maps different body parts onto the brain surface. Cortical areas associated with body parts requiring finer control, such as the hands and face, occupy relatively larger space in the motor cortex.

What are the main functions of the frontal lobe?

The frontal lobe performs several essential functions in the human brain, contributing to higher cognitive processes and complex behaviors. Some of its main roles include:

1. Executive Functions. The prefrontal cortex is involved in controlling executive functions, including working memory, inhibitory control, planning, organization, reasoning, cognitive flexibility, and problem-solving. These abilities are essential for adapting to the environment and making appropriate decisions.
2. Emotion Control. The frontal cortex is involved in regulating emotions and impulse control. It helps mediate and balance emotional responses, allowing appropriate reactions to external stimuli.
3. Language. The left frontal lobe, in particular, is crucial for language production and processing. Cortical areas in the left frontal brain are associated with understanding spoken and written language.
4. Social Behavior. The orbitofrontal cortex and other areas of the frontal lobe are involved in regulating social behaviors and interactions with others. They participate in understanding social norms and controlling socially inappropriate impulses.

The frontal lobe in Third Millennium Pedagogy

The particular functional characteristics of the frontal lobe open new horizons for pedagogy and education that were previously little or not at all explored. Here are some considerations from a key text of PTM:

“Among all brain areas, [the frontal lobe] is by far the most interesting for educators: it is a true treasure chest that houses extraordinary potential abilities, which can be awakened through education enriched by a mature science of the brain. It is precisely in this lobe that a series of crucial functions reside to ensure that humanity in the third millennium has a future based on fruitful cooperation: referring to the ability to have intentional behavior, plan actions according to a project, organize emotions based on personal values, and manage them to cooperate with others. (…)

It is noteworthy that, based on all experiments conducted so far, it is likely that this region of the frontal lobe integrates incoming information. That is, all stimuli that hit our senses, after entering through their ‘access points’ and being distributed to areas for reading the stimulus, reach the prefrontal lobe and, although partially processed, are again ‘handled,’ creating new associations and comparisons among them. Thus, this lobe seems capable of performing a highly sophisticated synthesis and comparing incoming perceptions with others already in memory. If confirmed, this represents a truly fundamental ability.

This lobe would be capable of creatively comparing and associating perceptions coming not only from different cerebral lobes, but also from different temporal segments. According to this hypothesis, intelligence could be redefined on a new basis: it would be seen as the ability to scan memory nuclei, select and associate them in a structure capable of ‘matching’ the problem or question posed by the world, so that the most suitable solution is available.” (P. Paoletti, Crescere nell’eccellenza, pp.18-20, passim)