prefrontal cortex
nounDefinition of prefrontal cortex
: 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
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The researchers aimed at the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex because dozens of small neuro-imaging studies have reported that in people deemed antisocial or aggressive or both, this region is typically smaller and less active than in other people. — Sharon Begley, STAT, "Can zapping people’s brains reduce violence? Controversial study sees potential," 2 July 2018 This gives the prefrontal cortex space to breathe, so to speak, in the case of a split-second decision needed to be made. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Scientists Examine Why Some Pilots Thrive Under Pressure, and Some Crack," 21 May 2018 Researchers studying this faculty usually focus on the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a control center that directs the activity of other brain regions. — Simon Makin, Scientific American, "Brain’s “Brakes” Suppress Unwanted Thoughts," 1 Apr. 2018 In the experiment, 39 volunteers were given direct current stimulation to their prefrontal cortex for 20 minutes. — Amy Ellis Nutt, Washington Post, "Zapping the brain appears to decrease aggressive intentions, new study says," 2 July 2018 Connections with the prefrontal cortex, which are essential for quieting the amygdala, also undergo altered development following parental deprivation. — Dylan Gee, Vox, "I study kids who were separated from their parents. The trauma could change their brains forever.," 20 June 2018 Drug addicts also often have a listless prefrontal cortex. — Ferris Jabr, Scientific American, "How the Brain Gets Addicted to Gambling," 14 May 2018 When the active mechanism is in play, networks in the anterior prefrontal cortex are activated. — Nicola Ballhausen, Scientific American, "Foresee and Forget: How to Remember the Future," 7 Mar. 2018 The program was founded on studies suggesting that the prefrontal cortex of the brain in young adults is not fully developed, causing some people to commit crimes without fully processing the gravity of their actions. — Lauren Hernandez, SFChronicle.com, "Graduates of Young Adult Court in SF get second chance to beat the odds," 28 June 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prefrontal cortex.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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