prefrontal cortex
noun
: 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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web When the researchers targeted the prefrontal cortex at the front of the brain with high-frequency currents, the study participants saw improvements in their ability to remember words from the beginning of the lists. 
Aylin Woodward And Daniela Hernandez, WSJ, 22 Aug. 2022 The two parts of your brain most engaged by stories are the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. Yec, Forbes, 19 May 2022 In the first experiment, one group received high-frequency (60 hertz) gamma waves to their prefrontal cortex, which sits directly behind the eyes and the forehead. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 22 Aug. 2022 An article in Psychology Today spotlighted how older minds make significantly better choices by using their prefrontal cortex, where more rational, deliberative thinking is controlled. Nicole Serena Silver, Forbes, 3 June 2022 As the participants worked, the researchers measured their glutamate levels in a part of the brain called the lateral prefrontal cortex, which is used to suppress impulses. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Aug. 2022 This behavioral change was accompanied by a decrease in brain activity in the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC), an area involved in cognitive processes such as decision-making. Diana Kwon, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2022 In this stage, the prefrontal cortex is compromised. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 3 Aug. 2022 Our prefrontal cortex becomes less active and that's the part of our brain that helps us to make good judgments, be reasonable, have perspective, take a pause and think about what to say, regulate our emotions. Julie Mazziotta, PEOPLE.com, 17 June 2022 See More
Aylin Woodward And Daniela Hernandez, WSJ, 22 Aug. 2022 The two parts of your brain most engaged by stories are the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. Yec, Forbes, 19 May 2022 In the first experiment, one group received high-frequency (60 hertz) gamma waves to their prefrontal cortex, which sits directly behind the eyes and the forehead. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 22 Aug. 2022 An article in Psychology Today spotlighted how older minds make significantly better choices by using their prefrontal cortex, where more rational, deliberative thinking is controlled. Nicole Serena Silver, Forbes, 3 June 2022 As the participants worked, the researchers measured their glutamate levels in a part of the brain called the lateral prefrontal cortex, which is used to suppress impulses. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Aug. 2022 This behavioral change was accompanied by a decrease in brain activity in the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC), an area involved in cognitive processes such as decision-making. Diana Kwon, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2022 In this stage, the prefrontal cortex is compromised. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 3 Aug. 2022 Our prefrontal cortex becomes less active and that's the part of our brain that helps us to make good judgments, be reasonable, have perspective, take a pause and think about what to say, regulate our emotions. Julie Mazziotta, PEOPLE.com, 17 June 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1900, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
prefrontal cortex
noun
: 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