The Right Frontopolar Region and Motor Control
The right frontopolar region does not perform direct motor control, but rather modulates motor learning and motor exploration through reward-based mechanisms and higher-order cognitive control strategies. 1, 2
Functional Role: Reward-Based Motor Learning, Not Motor Execution
The right frontopolar cortex (rFPC) contributes to motor behavior through an indirect pathway involving reward processing and motor variability regulation, rather than direct motor command generation:
Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the right FPC accelerates reward-based motor learning by increasing the sensitivity of motor exploration to updates in reward volatility. 1
The rFPC regulates motor variability during learning tasks, allowing faster discovery of optimal movement patterns along continuous performance dimensions (such as timing). 1
This function is dissociated from primary motor cortex (M1) activity, as rFPC stimulation produces different learning effects compared to left M1 stimulation. 1
Distinction from True Motor Control Regions
It is critical to distinguish the frontopolar region from the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG), which does perform actual motor control through behavioral inhibition and response stopping. 3, 4
The rIFG pars opercularis generates "stop commands" that prevent or halt initiated motor behaviors—this is true motor control. 5, 4
The frontopolar cortex has been targeted in brain stimulation studies for addiction medicine, but less frequently than dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and not for direct motor control purposes. 5, 3
Higher-Order Cognitive Control Contributions
The frontopolar cortex participates in conflict adaptation and cognitive control strategies that indirectly influence motor performance:
The frontopolar cortex is involved in conflict resolution through higher-order cognitive control strategies that are closely associated with subsequent motor conflict. 2
Individual differences in conflict adaptation effects correlate with frontopolar cortex activation patterns during preceding trials, suggesting a role in strategic motor preparation rather than execution. 2
Anatomical and Functional Segregation
The human frontopolar cortex consists of two cytoarchitectonically distinct areas with different functional networks:
Lateral frontopolar area 1 (Fp1) is involved in cognition, working memory, and perception. 6
Medial frontopolar area 2 (Fp2) participates in affective processing and social cognition. 6
Neither subdivision is part of the classical motor control network involving premotor areas, supplementary motor area, or primary motor cortex. 7
Clinical Bottom Line
The right frontopolar region should not be considered a motor control area in the traditional sense. While it can modulate motor learning through reward processing and influence motor exploration strategies, it does not generate motor commands, control muscle force, or directly inhibit movements. These functions belong to the motor cortex, premotor areas, and right inferior frontal gyrus respectively. 5, 1, 7