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prefrontal cortex

noun
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Definition 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

Examples of prefrontal cortex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The same study found that the prefrontal cortex, responsible for things like concentration and decision-making, became thicker. — Jessica Boddy, Popular Science, "How to make the most of meditation with science," 1 Jan. 2021 The old-school method activates more prefrontal cortex neurons, which helps regulate your stress response. — Elizabeth Gulino, refinery29.com, "Election Stress Disorder Is A Thing — Here’s How To Cope," 5 Nov. 2020 Though the biology of depression and addiction is complex, people with these diseases tend to lose some synaptic connections in their prefrontal cortex. — Robert F. Service, Science | AAAS, "Chemists re-engineer a psychedelic to treat depression and addiction in rodents," 9 Dec. 2020 The old-school method activates more prefrontal cortex neurons, which helps regulate your stress response. — Elizabeth Gulino, refinery29.com, "Election Stress Disorder Is A Thing — Here’s How To Cope," 5 Nov. 2020 There are simple ways to relieve demands on the prefrontal cortex, such as getting enough sleep and basic exercise. — Robin Wright, The New Yorker, "Our Brains Explain the Season’s Sadness," 26 Nov. 2020 The old-school method activates more prefrontal cortex neurons, which helps regulate your stress response. — Elizabeth Gulino, refinery29.com, "Election Stress Disorder Is A Thing — Here’s How To Cope," 5 Nov. 2020 The old-school method activates more prefrontal cortex neurons, which helps regulate your stress response. — Elizabeth Gulino, refinery29.com, "Election Stress Disorder Is A Thing — Here’s How To Cope," 5 Nov. 2020 The prefrontal cortex is responsible for emotional regulation and decision-making. — Elizabeth Landau, Smithsonian Magazine, "Anxious About Election Results? Here’s What’s Happening in Your Brain as You Wait," 3 Nov. 2020

These 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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First Known Use of prefrontal cortex

1900, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for prefrontal cortex

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The first known use of prefrontal cortex was in 1900

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Last Updated

16 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Prefrontal cortex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prefrontal%20cortex. Accessed 20 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for prefrontal cortex

prefrontal cortex

noun

Medical Definition 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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