Development of Prefrontal Cortex: Regions of PFC

Dr. Rishabh Pathak


The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a critical brain region associated with higher-order cognitive functions, including executive function, decision-making, social behavior, and emotional regulation. The PFC undergoes significant development across the lifespan, with distinct regions contributing to various aspects of cognitive control and behavior. Here are the key regions of the prefrontal cortex and their functions:

1.     Orbitofrontal Cortex (BA 11):

o    Location: Located in the ventromedial part of the PFC.

o  Function: The orbitofrontal cortex is involved in decision-making, reward processing, emotional regulation, and social behavior. It plays a role in evaluating the emotional and motivational significance of stimuli and guiding adaptive behavior based on reward outcomes.

2.     Ventrolateral PFC (BA 44, 45, 47):

o    Location: Situated in the lower lateral aspects of the PFC.

o Function: The ventrolateral PFC is associated with cognitive control, working memory, language processing, and response inhibition. It plays a role in maintaining task-relevant information, manipulating information, and regulating attention during complex cognitive tasks.

3.     Dorsolateral PFC (BA 9, 46):

o    Location: Located in the upper lateral aspects of the PFC.

o   Function: The dorsolateral PFC is involved in executive functions such as planning, problem-solving, cognitive flexibility, and goal-directed behavior. It plays a crucial role in working memory, mental manipulation of information, and strategic decision-making.

4.     Rostrolateral PFC (BA 10):

o    Location: Situated in the rostral part of the lateral PFC.

o Function: The rostrolateral PFC is associated with cognitive control, attentional processes, and multitasking. It plays a role in monitoring and coordinating complex cognitive operations, integrating information from multiple sources, and maintaining task sets for goal-directed behavior.

These regions of the prefrontal cortex work in concert to support various aspects of executive function and cognitive control. The hierarchical organization of the PFC allows for the integration of information, the regulation of behavior, and the coordination of complex cognitive processes. Understanding the functions of different regions within the prefrontal cortex provides insights into the neural basis of higher cognitive functions and the role of the PFC in adaptive behavior and decision-making processes.

 

Having a strong interest in research, I began my work as a physiotherapist and went on to earn a master's degree in the field, specializing in neurology. I also finished a few post-graduation diplomas in between and with persistence. Research has always been a passion of mine, both for the advancement of my career and my personal life. A major factor in reaching my goals is education. Although my first bachelor's thesis was in the innovation area, I had been exposed to research work even in my informal school days. I always like working on creative initiatives and taking an interest in other people's experiences. The saying, "Healthy criticism is a way to learn more and more about your flaws to make them rectified," is true, in my opinion. In this way, we may hone our abilities and create a growth-oriented vision for both our personal and professional career pathways. I am thus constantly willing to learn and advance in my work. Additionally, I think that "it is in our hands to terminate our lives with a brand-new ending if we are unable to originate our lives with a brand-new start."

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