A NOTE ON THE DEFINITION OF THE “MOTOR” AND “PREMOTOR” AREAS

Abstract

Since the anterior boundary of the excitable precentral cortex cannot be accurately defined in anatomical terms, and since the functions of the anterior part of the excitable cortex obviously differ from those of the posterior, a more precise terminology is needed to designate these functionally discrete regions. The term “premotor area” has been used in the past synonymously with the “intermediate precentral” region, but adequate anatomical definition has not hitherto been given. Since these regions correspond roughly with well-recognized cytoarchitectural fields, it is suggested that the following conventions be adopted (fig. 1). That: The term “excitable area” is applicable to both the motor and premotor regions.