What area of the cortex mediates facial expressions?

The frontal operculum plays a significant role in mediating facial expressions, as it is involved in the motor control of facial muscles. Specifically, this area is located in the lateral aspect of the frontal lobe and is associated with the coordination of voluntary movements, including those that produce facial expressions.

Research indicates that the frontal operculum interacts with other regions responsible for emotion and social cognition, enabling individuals to not only express emotions through facial movements but also to understand and interpret the emotional expressions of others. This is crucial for social communication, which relies heavily on non-verbal cues.

The anterior insular cortex, the cerebellum, and the occipital cortex have different primary functions. The anterior insular cortex is associated with awareness of bodily states and emotional feelings, the cerebellum primarily coordinates motor control and balance, and the occipital cortex is mainly involved in visual processing. None of these areas are directly responsible for the execution of facial expressions in the way the frontal operculum is, making the latter the most relevant choice for this question.