Brodmann area 46

Brodmann area 46 animation

Brodmann area 46 (BA46), also known as the middle frontal area 46, is a subdivision of the cerebral cortex in the human brain. It is part of the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in various high-level cognitive functions.

Location

Brodmann area 46 is located in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of the frontal lobe. It is situated anterior to Brodmann area 8 and superior to Brodmann area 9. This area is found on the lateral surface of the frontal lobe, extending from the superior frontal sulcus to the inferior frontal sulcus.

Brodmann area 46 frontal view

Function

Brodmann area 46 is associated with various executive functions, including working memory, attention, and decision-making. It plays a crucial role in the integration of information from different sensory modalities and is involved in the planning and execution of complex behaviors.

The DLPFC, including BA46, is critical for the regulation of thoughts and actions in accordance with internal goals. It is involved in the manipulation of information in working memory, which is essential for reasoning and problem-solving tasks.

Cytoarchitecture

Brodmann Cytoarchitectonics 46

Brodmann area 46 is characterized by its distinct cytoarchitectonic features. It is part of the granular frontal cortex, which is defined by the presence of a well-developed layer IV. The area is distinguished from adjacent areas by its unique pattern of cell types and densities.

Clinical Significance

Damage to Brodmann area 46 can result in deficits in executive functions, such as impaired working memory and difficulties in planning and decision-making. It is also implicated in various neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Related Areas

Brodmann area 46 is closely related to other areas of the prefrontal cortex, including Brodmann area 9 and Brodmann area 10. These areas work together to support complex cognitive processes and are interconnected with other brain regions involved in emotion and memory.

File:Brodmann area 46 lateral.jpg

Brodmann area 46 lateral view

Related Pages

• Brodmann area 9
• Brodmann area 10
• Prefrontal cortex
• Executive functions
• Working memory

External Links

• Brodmann area 46 on Wikipedia