Prefrontal cortex

Definition: Defined anatomically, it is the frontal part of the frontal lobe and the region of the cerebral cortex that receives projections from the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus. Functionally, the prefrontal cortex is predominantly involved in executive functioning, problem-solving, action planning, and “top-down” cognitive control. Recruitment of the prefrontal cortex is necessary for many cognitive functions including (but not limited to) working memory, inhibition, decision-making, sustained attention, emotion regulation, and perspective-taking.

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References: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aan8868 https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-407815-4.00001-5 https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2018.00491 https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.neuro.24.1.167 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2010.05.002

Related terms: frontal lobe; frontal cortex; executive functioning; cognitive control; dorsolateral prefrontal cortex; ventromedial prefrontal cortex; ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex; Broca’s area;