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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Using functional magnetic resonance imaging to record brain activity, Yanagisawa and his colleagues studied the medial prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain involved in emotions and planning for the future.
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Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 July 2025
Research reveals that dualistic thought patterns activate the brain’s amygdala, triggering stress and reducing access to the prefrontal cortex, the part responsible for empathy, reasoning and long-term strategy.
—Neerja Bhatia, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
The prefrontal cortex – the area of the brain that regulates emotions, behavior and memory processing – is the last region to connect to others, one which may not fully integrate until the third decade of life.
—The Marshall Project, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
The magnetic pulses go into the prefrontal cortex of the brain, that outer layer at the front where behavior, personality and executive function originates.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
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Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 July 2025
Research reveals that dualistic thought patterns activate the brain’s amygdala, triggering stress and reducing access to the prefrontal cortex, the part responsible for empathy, reasoning and long-term strategy.
—Neerja Bhatia, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
The prefrontal cortex – the area of the brain that regulates emotions, behavior and memory processing – is the last region to connect to others, one which may not fully integrate until the third decade of life.
—The Marshall Project, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
The magnetic pulses go into the prefrontal cortex of the brain, that outer layer at the front where behavior, personality and executive function originates.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
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 19 Aug. 2025.
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