The whole prefrontal cortex is premotor cortex

TL;DR

This paper argues that the entire prefrontal cortex functions as a premotor system, organizing action plans hierarchically with goal selection at its core, supported by anatomical and functional evidence.

Contribution

It introduces a novel perspective that the prefrontal cortex is fundamentally premotor, emphasizing a hierarchical action abstraction model centered on goal optimization.

Findings

Prefrontal cortex forms an action abstraction hierarchy.

Orbitofrontal cortex is key for goal selection.

Dynamical systems approach applies to prefrontal functions.

Abstract

We propose that the entirety of the prefrontal cortex can be seen as fundamentally premotor in nature. By this, we mean that the prefrontal cortex consists of an action abstraction hierarchy whose core function is the potentiation and depotentiation of possible action plans at different levels of granularity. We argue that the apex of the hierarchy should revolve around the process of goal selection, which we posit is inherently a form of abstract action optimization. Anatomical and functional evidence supports the idea that this hierarchy originates on the orbital surface of the brain and extends dorsally to motor cortex. Our view, therefore, positions the orbitofrontal cortex as the central site for the optimization of goal selection policies, and suggests that other proposed roles are aspects of this more general function. We conclude by proposing that the dynamical systems approach, which works well in motor systems, can be extended to the rest of prefrontal cortex. Our proposed perspective will reframe outstanding questions, open up new areas of inquiry, and will align theories of prefrontal function with evolutionary principles.