The brain areas in charge of generating plans and thoughts share many similarities with the motor cortex in terms of cellular architecture and input–output connectivity. The main difference is that prefrontal cortex does not directly innervate motor circuits. Instead prefrontal cortical areas can be designated collectively as an internalized action system, and thus plans and thoughts can be conceived of as internalized neuronal patterns that serve as a buffer for delayed overt action. Thoughts are only useful if they lead to action, even if that action is delayed by days or years. These same
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