Brodmann area 46

Brodmann area 46, or BA46, is a region of the brain that is part of the prefrontal cortex. It is located in the frontal lobe, and is involved in a variety of cognitive functions, including working memory, attention, and decision making.

Anatomy

BA46 is located in the middle frontal gyrus, which is part of the prefrontal cortex. It is bordered by Brodmann area 9 to the north, Brodmann area 10 to the south, and Brodmann area 45 to the east. The area is named after the German neurologist Korbinian Brodmann, who first described it in 1909.

Function

The primary function of BA46 is in working memory, which is the ability to hold and manipulate information in the mind over short periods of time. This is crucial for a variety of cognitive tasks, including problem solving, decision making, and attention.

In addition to working memory, BA46 is also involved in attention. It plays a role in both the selection of relevant information and the suppression of irrelevant information. This is important for tasks that require focused attention, such as reading or listening to a lecture.

BA46 is also involved in decision making. It is thought to contribute to the evaluation of options and the selection of actions. This is particularly important in situations that require complex, multi-step decisions.

Clinical significance

Damage to BA46 can result in a variety of cognitive deficits, including impairments in working memory, attention, and decision making. These deficits can have a significant impact on a person's ability to function in daily life.

In addition, BA46 has been implicated in a number of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In these disorders, abnormalities in BA46 may contribute to symptoms such as disorganized thinking and difficulty focusing attention.

See also

• Brodmann area
• Prefrontal cortex
• Working memory
• Attention
• Decision making