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
Recent Examples on the Web
As stress rises, the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in executive functions such as planning, working memory, emotion processing, and cognitive flexibility, can become challenged.
—
Jacqueline Brassey, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2023
Two parts of the medial prefrontal cortex (a wall of neural tissue) were activated.
—Arianna Johnson, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
The secret of their success (and failure) all comes down to their prefrontal cortex (PFC).
—Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, 12 Nov. 2023
Ketamine also promotes the formation of synapses to receive dopamine in the prefrontal cortex.
—Byerin Prater, Fortune Well, 3 Nov. 2023
The effects on the amygdala, the prefrontal cortex and the circuitry between the two may have many other consequences as well.
—Eti Ben Simon, Scientific American, 15 Aug. 2023
In a study from last year, her team found that exposure to even mild but uncontrollable stress quickly impaired the prefrontal cortex in humans and animals.
—Jen Percy, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2023
Part of it comes from biology, the prefrontal cortex, or the decision-making part of the brain, does not fully develop until the mid-to-late 20s, said Devin Mills, an assistant professor at Texas Tech’s Department of Community, Family and Addiction Sciences.
—Aarón Torres, Dallas News, 15 Mar. 2023
Children who are spanked, for example, showed greater activation in several regions of their medial and lateral prefrontal cortex when they were asked to view images of different faces.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 5 Sep. 2023
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Jacqueline Brassey, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2023
Two parts of the medial prefrontal cortex (a wall of neural tissue) were activated.
—Arianna Johnson, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
The secret of their success (and failure) all comes down to their prefrontal cortex (PFC).
—Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, 12 Nov. 2023
Ketamine also promotes the formation of synapses to receive dopamine in the prefrontal cortex.
—Byerin Prater, Fortune Well, 3 Nov. 2023
The effects on the amygdala, the prefrontal cortex and the circuitry between the two may have many other consequences as well.
—Eti Ben Simon, Scientific American, 15 Aug. 2023
In a study from last year, her team found that exposure to even mild but uncontrollable stress quickly impaired the prefrontal cortex in humans and animals.
—Jen Percy, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2023
Part of it comes from biology, the prefrontal cortex, or the decision-making part of the brain, does not fully develop until the mid-to-late 20s, said Devin Mills, an assistant professor at Texas Tech’s Department of Community, Family and Addiction Sciences.
—Aarón Torres, Dallas News, 15 Mar. 2023
Children who are spanked, for example, showed greater activation in several regions of their medial and lateral prefrontal cortex when they were asked to view images of different faces.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 5 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prefrontal cortex.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1900, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of prefrontal cortex was
in 1900
Dictionary Entries Near prefrontal cortex
Cite this Entry
“Prefrontal cortex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prefrontal%20cortex. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.
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Medical Definition
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
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