prefrontal cortex
noun
: the gray matter of the anterior part of the frontal lobe that is highly developed in humans and plays a role in the regulation of complex cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning
Examples of prefrontal cortex in a Sentence
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In rodent experiments, both molecules promote dendritic growth in the prefrontal cortex.
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Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
One of the things that distinguishes human beings from most other animals is the prefrontal cortex, a section of the brain concerned with learning, reasoning and problem-solving (among other things).
—Dr. Deepika Chopra, Flow Space, 10 Mar. 2026
Neurochemically, the drug works by causing a decrease in activity in the amygdala — the brain structure associated with memory formation — and an increase in activity in the prefrontal cortex — the brain region where cognitive functions are processed, including ethical judgments.
—Erica Rex, STAT, 19 Feb. 2026
It is integrated into other brain regions, most notably those that lay down memories (the hippocampus) and interpret outcomes (the prefrontal cortex).
—Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
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Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
One of the things that distinguishes human beings from most other animals is the prefrontal cortex, a section of the brain concerned with learning, reasoning and problem-solving (among other things).
—Dr. Deepika Chopra, Flow Space, 10 Mar. 2026
Neurochemically, the drug works by causing a decrease in activity in the amygdala — the brain structure associated with memory formation — and an increase in activity in the prefrontal cortex — the brain region where cognitive functions are processed, including ethical judgments.
—Erica Rex, STAT, 19 Feb. 2026
It is integrated into other brain regions, most notably those that lay down memories (the hippocampus) and interpret outcomes (the prefrontal cortex).
—Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prefrontal cortex
Cite this Entry
“Prefrontal cortex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prefrontal%20cortex. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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