History of "Frontal" Syndromes and Executive Dysfunction

Elements of "frontal" syndromes and executive dysfunction have been pondered by humans since ancient times, perhaps because executive dysfunction often threatens the very characteristics that make us human. This chapter provides a historical account of scientific advancements related to frontal lobe functioning and how the term has transformed over time. From ancient Greek philosophy to early neuroscientific animal studies to the default mode network, knowledge about the neural underpinnings of executive functioning has blossomed, almost so broadly that the behemoth term comprising broad neuropsychological functions may struggle to be provide specificity on its own without further clarification.