The frontal lobes are important sections of the brain needed for articulation, emotion and reactivity. According to the Centre for Neuro Skills, the lobes, left and right, control aspects of the personality, coping mechanisms and emotion. In addition, the lobes can facilitate language acquisition and speech, influence judgments and decision-making capabilities and impulsive and sexual behaviors. When damage occurs to the frontal lobes, the planning portion of movements as well as the accompanying spontaneity associated with quick physical activity, can be slowed or compromised to the point of extinction.
Fine Motor Movements
Fine motor movements originate in the frontal lobe area of the brain. Movements include writing, playing a musical instrument, and any other handcraft that requires articulation of the fingers. According to the "Children's Health Encyclopedia," these skills are typically acquired at the same rate of gross motor skills, which move the skeleton. However, impairments of fine motor movements can affect the ability to grasp objects between the fingers and movements of the mouth.
Facial Expressions
Facial expressions are the small movements in the face to exhibit emotions. According to the "Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience," frontal lobe damage may negatively impair the ability to decipher facial expressions and comprehend intent. As seen with individuals on the autism spectrum, damage to the frontal lobe area can result in misunderstandings of others' facial expressions.
Language & Speech Movements
Language and speech movements also derive from the frontal lobes. The American Speech Language Hearing Association suggests that language and speech belong to the right hemisphere of the brain, and that damages can negatively impair memory, language acquisition and formation, speech, social communication and understanding cues. As seen with impairments to facial expression, others' use of language, tone of voice or changes in expression may be confusing to those with right frontal lobe impairments.
