Understanding the role of the frontal lobe in tool-use tasks: how much does it represent domain-general rather than domain-specific contribution?

When using novel tools with low semantic content, the left inferior-frontal-gyrus (IFG) plays a role. We argue that this activation is not purely specific to novel tool use but rather represents part of a cross-domain cognitive network supporting sequential planning processes. The IFG does not only manage information flow between distributed areas but functionally contributes by maintaining focus on the intended target state and supporting the processing, monitoring, and adjustment of steps needed to achieve that goal. These cognitive functions are particularly important when compensation for reduced tool-related semantic knowledge is needed during the usage of novel tools and technologies.