prefrontal cortex

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

the anterior region of the frontal lobes of the cerebral cortex, lying in front of the motor and premotor areas; the seat of executive function, working memory, decision-making, personality expression, and social behavior; the last brain region to fully mature (mid-20s), explaining adolescent risk-taking; heavily connected to the limbic system for emotional regulation

Examples

• The prefrontal cortex helps you resist the urge to eat a second slice of cake.
• Damage to the prefrontal cortex can dramatically alter personality and judgment.

Synonyms: PFC, frontal cortex (informal)