The prefrontal cortex is the front-most part of the brain’s frontal lobe, located directly behind the forehead. This region makes up approximately one-third of the entire cerebral cortex. It is considered a higher-order association center, playing a role in complex cognitive processes. This area is also known as the “frontal granular cortex” or “frontal association cortex.”
Core Functions of the Prefrontal Cortex
The prefrontal cortex oversees executive functions, which are mental processes that allow individuals to control and direct their behavior, thoughts, actions, and emotions to achieve goals. It functions much like the brain’s central coordinator, orchestrating thoughts and actions in line with internal objectives.
Decision-making and planning are primary roles of this brain region. It helps evaluate sensory evidence and make value-based choices. This allows for the intention to act, leading to a coherent series of actions to reach a goal.
Working memory, the ability to temporarily hold and manipulate information, is another function supported by the prefrontal cortex. For instance, when remembering a phone number while dialing it, neurons in this region remain active to preserve that information. This sustained activity is essential for tasks requiring multi-step reasoning.
The prefrontal cortex also plays a role in personality expression and social behavior. It helps moderate impulses and understand social cues, guiding appropriate conduct in various situations. This influence extends to regulating behavior and modulating emotions.
The prefrontal cortex also contributes to focus and attention. It assists in filtering out distractions and maintaining concentration on a specific task. This enables individuals to attend to tasks effectively.
Development Through Adolescence and Early Adulthood
The prefrontal cortex is one of the last brain regions to fully mature, with its development continuing into a person’s mid-20s. The brain undergoes synaptic pruning during this period, which involves a reduction in unnecessary synaptic connections.
This pruning makes the brain more efficient by strengthening frequently used connections and eliminating weaker ones. Gray matter volume and thickness in the human prefrontal cortex decrease during adolescence. Myelination also influences this process, speeding up neuronal communication.
The ongoing development of the prefrontal cortex during adolescence can relate to common behaviors observed in this age group. Heightened risk-taking, impulsivity, and susceptibility to peer pressure are often linked to still-maturing “top-down” control systems in the frontal regions. These systems gradually strengthen their influence over earlier-developing “bottom-up” systems that are highly responsive to rewarding stimuli.
Impact of Damage or Impairment
When the prefrontal cortex is compromised, either through injury or neurological conditions, its functions can be significantly affected. A well-documented case is that of Phineas Gage, a railroad foreman in 1848. An explosion drove an iron rod through his left cheek, through his brain, and out the top of his skull.
Miraculously, Gage survived the accident and retained his memory and basic motor skills. However, his physician, Dr. John Martyn Harlow, described profound changes in his personality and social behavior. Gage, previously an affable and responsible individual, became fitful, irreverent, and prone to profanity, with little deference for others.
Modern analyses of Gage’s skull suggest the rod damaged parts of his left frontal lobe, including areas involved in emotional regulation and rational decision-making. While approximately 4% of his cerebral cortex was affected, over 10% of the white matter connections throughout his brain were damaged. This disruption of widespread brain networks likely contributed to his altered behavior. Other forms of impairment, such as traumatic brain injury or certain neurological disorders, can also lead to issues with planning, impulse control, and emotional regulation, reflecting the diverse roles of the prefrontal cortex.
Supporting Prefrontal Cortex Health
Engaging in lifestyle practices can support the health and function of the prefrontal cortex. Regular physical activity helps maintain overall brain health by contributing to better blood flow to brain regions.
Adequate sleep is also important for brain function. Ensuring sufficient rest allows the brain to process information and consolidate learning. Promoting better sleep quality can be achieved by turning off electronic devices before bed and maintaining a comfortable sleep environment.
Mindfulness and meditation practices have been shown to influence the prefrontal cortex. Mindful breathing, even for a few minutes daily, can increase activity in this region, which is associated with improved reasoning, decision-making, and focus. Meditation can also lead to increased thickness and surface area in parts of the prefrontal cortex.
Challenging the brain with complex, novel tasks can be beneficial. Activities like learning a musical instrument, solving puzzles, or engaging in strategic games can support cognitive flexibility and overall brain plasticity. These activities encourage the prefrontal cortex to adapt and refine its processing capabilities.