Prefrontal cortex

Location and Function

The prefrontal cortex is the anterior part of the frontal lobes of the brain, lying in front of the motor and associative areas. Divided into the dorsolateral, orbitofrontal and mesial prefrontal areas, this brain region has been implicated in planning complex cognitive behaviours, personality expression and moderating correct social behaviour.

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The basic activity of this brain region is considered to be orchestration of thoughts and actions in accordance with internal goals.

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The most typical neurologic term for functions carried out by the pre-frontal cortex area is Executive Function. Executive Function relates to abilities to differentiate between conflicting thoughts, determine good and bad, better and best, same and different, future consequences of current activities, working toward a defined goal, prediction of outcomes, expectation based on actions, and social "control" (the ability to suppress urges that, if not suppressed, could lead to socially unacceptable or frankly illegal outcomes).

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Many authors have indicated an integral link between a person's personality and the functions of the prefrontal cortex.

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