Prefrontal cortex

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the cerebral cortex which covers the front part of the frontal lobe. This brain region has been implicated in planning complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, decision making, and moderating social behaviour. The basic activity of this brain region is considered to be orchestration of thoughts and actions in accordance with internal goals.

Anatomy

The most typical brain structure is that of a primate. The descriptions that follow are based largely on the work of neuroscientists such as Patricia Goldman-Rakic and Joachim Fuster.

Function

The function of the prefrontal cortex involves the ability to project future consequences resulting from current actions, the choice between good and bad actions (or better and best), the override and suppression of socially unacceptable responses, and the determination of similarities and differences between things or events.

Clinical significance

Damage to the prefrontal cortex in humans results in a syndrome referred to as frontal lobe disorder (also known as frontal lobe syndrome).

See also

• Frontal lobe
• Cerebral cortex
• Brain
• Neuroscience

External links

• Prefrontal Cortex at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

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  Brodmann areas in the prefrontal cortex
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  Brodmann areas
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  Prefrontal cortex (left) animation