The primate premotor cortex fifty years after Fulton

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Primate motor control

Background:

• Historical debate on premotor cortex function.
• Current understanding of agranular frontal cortex includes primary motor, supplementary motor, and premotor cortex.

Purpose of the Study:

• Summarize evidence for premotor cortex involvement in motor preparation.
• Speculate on specific roles of the premotor cortex in motor preparation.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing scientific literature and evidence.
• Synthesis of findings related to premotor cortex function.

Main Results:

• General agreement on the existence of distinct cortical fields in the agranular frontal cortex.
• Evidence suggests the premotor cortex is involved in preparing limb movements.

Conclusions:

• The premotor cortex plays a significant role in the preparatory stages of limb movement.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the precise aspects of motor preparation involving the premotor cortex.