The dorsal medial prefrontal cortex, or dmPFC, is a region within the brain’s frontal lobe that is associated with a range of advanced cognitive processes. It is part of the prefrontal cortex, a section of the brain involved in executive functions and complex behaviors. The dmPFC contributes to distinctly human experiences, such as intricate social dynamics and the formation of a sense of self.
Anatomy and Location in the Brain
The dorsal medial prefrontal cortex is situated in the forward-most portion of the brain, known as the frontal lobes. “Dorsal” refers to its position in the upper part of the brain, while “medial” indicates that it lies toward the midline, in the space where the two cerebral hemispheres meet.
Anatomically, the dmPFC is not a single, isolated structure but rather a functional region that includes portions of several Brodmann areas, which are distinct zones of the cerebral cortex defined by their cellular structure. Specifically, it encompasses parts of Brodmann areas 8, 9, 10, 24, and 32. This location allows it to act as a hub for information, maintaining extensive connections with many other brain areas.
The dmPFC has significant reciprocal connections to the limbic system, a group of structures involved in emotion and memory, including the amygdala. It also communicates extensively with other parts of the prefrontal cortex, the parietal cortex, and sensory-motor areas. These widespread networks enable the dmPFC to integrate information from various sources, which underpins its diverse functions.
The Hub for Self and Social Understanding
A primary function of the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex is its involvement in self-referential thought, which is the process of thinking about oneself. This region shows consistent activity in functional neuroimaging studies when individuals reflect on their own personality, traits, and mental states. For example, when a person contemplates their future aspirations or evaluates their personal behavior, the dmPFC is engaged.
Beyond introspection, the dmPFC is also central to social cognition, particularly an ability known as “Theory of Mind.” Theory of Mind refers to the capacity to infer the mental states of others, including their beliefs, intentions, and feelings. This allows individuals to understand that others have perspectives that may differ from their own. The dmPFC is active when we try to understand why a friend might be upset or anticipate someone’s actions in a social situation.
These two functions—understanding the self and understanding others—are closely linked within the dmPFC. Research suggests that the brain uses self-reflection as a foundation for understanding others. The dmPFC appears to help distinguish one’s own perspective from someone else’s, a fundamental process for successful social interaction. Some studies indicate that while the ventral part of the medial prefrontal cortex is more involved when thinking about oneself or similar people, the dmPFC is more active when considering people who are perceived as dissimilar.
Governing Choices and Emotions
The dorsal medial prefrontal cortex plays a part in guiding decisions, particularly in situations involving uncertainty or conflicting information. It helps evaluate options and select actions, especially in social contexts. This brain region is involved when weighing potential outcomes and integrating multiple factors to arrive at a choice. Its function is to make judgments that are effective in a social environment.
This region is also involved in performance and error monitoring. The dmPFC helps an individual recognize when they have made a mistake, which allows for adjustments in future behavior. For example, after saying something inappropriate in a conversation, the dmPFC contributes to the process of recognizing the error and learning from it.
The dmPFC also contributes to the regulation of emotional responses. It works in concert with deeper brain structures like the amygdala to modulate feelings. This top-down control allows for the adjustment of emotional reactions based on the situation. For instance, it can help dampen feelings of anxiety or suppress an immediate emotional outburst, allowing for a more measured response. The dmPFC helps guide how an emotional experience is constructed and remembered.
Connection to Mental Health Disorders
Alterations in the function and structure of the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex are increasingly being linked to various mental health conditions. Dysfunction in this region is implicated in a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, though it is one part of a complex network and not a sole cause.
In depression and anxiety disorders, the dmPFC’s role in self-referential thought and emotion regulation is particularly relevant. Hyperactivity in the dmPFC has been linked to rumination, the pattern of repetitive, negative self-focused thinking that is a common feature of depression. In anxiety disorders, altered dmPFC activity is associated with heightened threat perception and difficulties in regulating emotional responses. Stronger communication between the dmPFC and the amygdala when processing negative events is observed in both healthy stress responses and in anxiety disorders.
Differences in the dmPFC are also associated with conditions characterized by social challenges, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Given the dmPFC’s role in Theory of Mind, variations in its function may contribute to difficulties in inferring the thoughts and feelings of others, a core feature of ASD. In schizophrenia, dysfunction in the dmPFC may be related to symptoms like disorganized thought and difficulties in distinguishing between self-generated thoughts and external reality.