[Frontal lobes: the executive brain].
OBJECTIVE
To describe the current basic functional neuroanatomy of the frontal lobes and complex cognitive processes associated with this wide brain zone.


METHODS
We reviewed recent studies with neurofunctional interest. We structured the frontal zones and the cognitive functions more specifically humans, named 'executive functions'. We classified the frontal syndrome into more specific syndromes; and, we reviewed the fronto-cortical and subcortical connections, which are the basis of the frontal zones and functions.


CONCLUSIONS
The frontal lobe is not a single anatomical and functional brain region. Regions and fronto-cortical and subcortical circuits within the frontal lobe are associated with motor functions and cognitive processes highly specialized, which may be differently affected.
Estévez-González
A
A
Departamento de Psiquiatría y Psicobiología Clínica, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.
García-Sánchez
C
C
Barraquer-Bordas
L
L
D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology