Prefrontal cortex
Prefrontal Cortex
The Prefrontal Cortex (pronunciation: /priːˈfrʌntəl ˈkɔːrteks/) is a part of the brain located at the front of the frontal lobe. It is implicated in a variety of complex behaviors, including planning, and greatly contributes to personality development.
Etymology
The term "Prefrontal Cortex" is derived from Latin, where "pre-" means "before", and "frontal" refers to the "front". "Cortex" comes from the Latin word for "bark" or "rind". Thus, the term essentially means the "bark before the front", referring to its location at the front of the brain.
Function
The Prefrontal Cortex is involved in many aspects of cognitive function, including:
- Decision Making: The Prefrontal Cortex plays a key role in the decision-making process, particularly in situations that require complex, flexible thought processes.
- Working Memory: This region of the brain is essential for holding information in mind over short periods, a function known as working memory.
- Personality Expression: The Prefrontal Cortex is also involved in the expression of personality and in moderating social behavior.
Related Terms
- Frontal Lobe: The larger region of the brain in which the Prefrontal Cortex is located.
- Cerebral Cortex: The outermost layer of the brain, containing the Prefrontal Cortex and other important structures.
- Neuroscience: The scientific study of the nervous system, including the brain and the Prefrontal Cortex.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Prefrontal cortex
- Wikipedia's article - Prefrontal cortex
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