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

"Experience remodels the brain to bypass that frontal bottleneck. The prefrontal cortex then stays free for whatever else you want to do, increasing your capacity," Riesenhuber explained.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 12, 2026

Many animals can also focus their attention despite lacking a highly developed prefrontal cortex.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 24, 2026

A study in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience showed participants’ brains could automate tasks by offloading them from the prefrontal cortex to the temporal cortex.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026

The scientists found that, while first learning the task, the participants’ prefrontal cortex was activated.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026

What if I really am just someone with a large prefrontal cortex... and nothing more?

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth