Fig 12. Proposed organizational framework for the frontal pole.

We propose that the frontal pole has both a medial-lateral gradient of function as well as a ventral-dorsal gradient of function. Medial areas of FP integrate information from regions involved in monitoring behavior and regulating emotion. Lateral areas (particularly dorsal lateral) connect to posterior PFC regions and to parietal cortex. As such, dorsal lateral areas are involved in maintaining cognitive representations and action plans. Ventral FP connected to regions thought to be involved in linking stimuli to values and emotions.