The motor cortex is in the frontal lobe; the prefrontal cortex controls the main executive functions (executive attention, working memory, decision-making, inhibitory control); patients with substantial frontal lesions lack the will and capacity to formulate and carry out plans of action; certain actions are preceded by electrical signals in frontal cortex, even before the conscious experience of the intention to move. All of this seems to justify calling the cortex of the frontal lobe, as a whole, “the executive of the brain” (I believe Pribram was the first to use the term). I know, it is a metaphor, but has interesting connotations with regard to free will and the generation of willed action. Further, it keeps misguided dualism at bay.