Lateral prefrontal cortex

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Lateral Prefrontal Cortex

The Lateral Prefrontal Cortex (LPFC) is a part of the prefrontal cortex in the human brain. It is involved in a variety of cognitive processes, including working memory, cognitive control, and abstract reasoning.

File:Lateral Prefrontal Cortex.png
The Lateral Prefrontal Cortex in the human brain.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The LPFC is located in the frontal lobe of the brain, anterior to the premotor cortex and primary motor cortex. It is divided into the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC). The DLPFC is associated with higher cognitive functions, while the VLPFC is involved in the processing of sensory information.

Function[edit | edit source]

The LPFC plays a crucial role in a variety of cognitive functions. It is involved in the maintenance and manipulation of information in working memory, the control of attention and action, and the integration of information to guide behavior. It is also implicated in abstract reasoning and decision making.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Damage to the LPFC can result in a variety of cognitive deficits, including impairments in working memory, cognitive control, and abstract reasoning. It has also been implicated in a number of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.

Research[edit | edit source]

Research on the LPFC has focused on its role in working memory and cognitive control. Studies have used a variety of methods, including neuroimaging, neuropsychological testing, and neurophysiological techniques.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]



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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD