Brodmann area 12

Brodmann area 12, a region of the cerebral cortex

Brodmann area 12 animation

Brodmann area 12 is a subdivision of the cerebral cortex in the brain, defined based on its cytoarchitecture. It is part of the frontal lobe and is involved in various higher cognitive functions. This area is named after Korbinian Brodmann, who first described it in the early 20th century.

Anatomy

Brodmann area 12 frontal view

Brodmann area 12 is located in the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex. It is situated anterior to Brodmann area 11 and is often considered part of the orbitofrontal cortex. The precise boundaries of Brodmann area 12 can vary between individuals, but it is generally found on the ventral surface of the frontal lobe.

Cytoarchitecture

Brodmann area 12 cytoarchitectonics

The cytoarchitecture of Brodmann area 12 is characterized by a distinct layering of neurons. This area is known for its granular appearance, with a prominent layer IV, which is typical of sensory areas. The organization of neurons in Brodmann area 12 suggests its involvement in complex processing tasks.

Function

Brodmann area 12 is associated with a variety of cognitive functions, including decision making, social behavior, and emotional regulation. It is part of the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for executive functions such as planning, reasoning, and problem-solving. The orbitofrontal location of Brodmann area 12 suggests its involvement in processing reward-related information and evaluating the emotional significance of stimuli.

Clinical significance

Dysfunction in Brodmann area 12 has been implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders. Abnormalities in this region may contribute to conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. Understanding the role of Brodmann area 12 in these disorders is an ongoing area of research.

Related pages

• Brodmann area 11
• Orbitofrontal cortex
• Prefrontal cortex
• Korbinian Brodmann

Brodmann area 12 medial view

See also

• List of Brodmann areas
• Cerebral cortex
• Frontal lobe