Prefrontal cortex

From Psy3242

The prefrontal cortex is located in the anterior portion of the frontal lobes, which is dubbed with the term executive function as it has been thought to be used in planning complex cognitive behaviors (i.e. cognitive flexibility, abstract thinking), rule acquisition, personality expression, and moderating correct social behavior (initiating appropriate actions and inhibiting inappropriate actions.

The prefrontal cortex receives information from all the senses, combining the information to form useful judgments and decisions – the prefrontal cortex controls the option to “choose”. For example, an intact prefrontal cortex is able to delay immediate gratification for a better or more rewarding longer-term gratification result. Considering that the prefrontal cortex is in the fore most part of the brain, it is unfortunately susceptible to injury.

Damage

Damage to the prefrontal cortex disrupts such functions and can be seen in the example of Phineas Gage, railwork worker whose prefrontal cortex was injured by a railroad spike. The resulting damage led to a change in his personality like getting into fights.

Some examples of weak connections between the prefrontal cortex and the rest of the brain have been seen in criminals, sociopaths, drug addicts, and people with schizophrenia; this goes to show the effect their inhibited function of the prefrontal cortex in judgments and decisions making.

Location