prefrontal cortex

n. Anterior part of the frontal lobes, located in front of the cortical motor areas (primary motor cortex and premotor cortex). From the cytoarchitectonic point of view, it is defined by the internal granular cortex; because of that, it is also referred to as the frontal granular cortex. Three major divisions are usually recognized: dorsolateral or convexital, orbitofrontal, and mesial prefrontal areas. This prefrontal cortical region has been related to complex cognition, planning behavior, controlling attention, and personality characteristics. These complex forms of cognition and behavior are referred to with the general term executive functions. Damage in the prefrontal cortex results in a diversity of impairments referred to as dysexecutive syndrome. Anatomically, the frontal lobes are the most evolved anterior areas of the brain and also late-maturating areas during ontogeny. Laterally, they are anterior to the Rolandic fissure and superior to the Sylvian fissure. Medially, they extend forward from the Rolandic fissure and the corpus callosum. It is the prefrontal cortex (Brodmann's areas 8, 11, 12, 24, 25, 32, 33, 46, and 47) that is thought to play a significant role in neurobehavioral syndromes. – AA

▶ See also EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS