prefrontal cortex

American  

[pree-fruhn-tl kawr-teks] / ˈpriˌfrʌn tl ˈkɔr tɛks /

noun

1. the forwardmost part of the frontal lobe, associated with complex brain functions such as emotional expression, behavioral regulation, decision making, attention, and planning: part of the cerebral cortex.

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Etymology

Origin of prefrontal cortex

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

prefrontal cortex

According to Riesenhuber, transferring a well-learned skill into the temporal cortex frees the prefrontal cortex to focus on new challenges, allowing existing knowledge to serve as the foundation for future learning.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 12, 2026

The prefrontal cortex, the brain’s “command center,” doesn’t finish developing until the mid- to late 20s.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026

Two key regions are often involved: the amygdala, which helps shape the sense of safety or threat, and the prefrontal cortex, which supports planning, decision making, and emotional control.

From Science Daily ● May 16, 2026

The pattern was especially clear in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region that helps regulate thought, emotion, decision making, and behavior.

From Science Daily ● May 16, 2026

Finally she says, “Someone instruct Ms. Prior as to what the prefrontal cortex does.”

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth