How the Prefrontal Cortex Affects Brain Function

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the front section of the human brain, accounting for more than 25 percent of the entire cerebral cortex. The prefrontal cortex is situated in the frontal lobe and tightly connected to the limbic system, an area located on both sides of the thalamus that includes the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. The PFC is generally responsible for cognition, including information modulation, attentional focus, decision-making, emotional analysis and response, problem-solving, working memory, and the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Advancements in neuroscience and neuroimaging studies focused on PFC activation have shown that damage, impairment, lesions, or underdevelopment of the PFC is a central feature of some mental health dysfunctions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

There are a few different brain regions that comprise the prefrontal cortex. Some standard subdivisions of the prefrontal cortex in the mammalian brain include:

1. 1. Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex: The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), in connection with other cortices like the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and parietal cortex, is responsible for executive functions in planning, short-term memory, cognitive abilities, abstract reasoning, attention, and inhibition. This part of the brain undergoes maturation until adulthood.
2. 2. Dorsomedial prefrontal cortex: The dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) is responsible for different brain activity and inferring mental states, allowing us to make timely and appropriate decisions depending on the situation. The DMPFC is also the part of the brain that helps us form judgments and establish a sense of identity.
3. 3. Ventrolateral prefrontal cortex: The ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) receives signals from the orbitofrontal cortex and subcortical areas, which helps in behavioral analysis and inhibitory control, which correlates to a person’s control of their natural impulses or dominant behaviors. The VLPFC also uses this information to design goal-directed behavior and aid in decision-making.
4. 4. Ventromedial prefrontal cortex: The ventral medial section of the brain processes fear and risk, inhibits emotional response, and aids in decision-making and self-control. The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) gathers information from areas like the temporal lobe, amygdala, and olfactory system to help interpret a situation and make an appropriate decision.
5. 5. Orbitofrontal cortex: The orbitofrontal cortex, which sits directly above the eye sockets, plays a role in guiding behaviors, managing impulsivity, assessing long-term rewards, and emotional responses like empathy or aggression.

It is possible to strengthen your prefrontal cortex with some exercises that target specific functions of your brain, such as:

• Games: Word games, memory games, and puzzles are effective ways to strengthen your prefrontal cortex. These exercises can encourage neuroplasticity, which is our brain’s ability to create and reinforce essential interconnections.
• Learning: Learning something new, like a language, instrument, or other skill, is even more effective than word games at enhancing your prefrontal cortex. Learning pushes your brain out of its comfort zone and forces it to adapt to understand and piece together the new information.
• Cooking: Cooking is an activity that utilizes multiple areas of your brain, including various senses. Cooking requires hand-eye coordination, concentration, multitasking, planning, and working memory to execute a recipe correctly, which can help strengthen these skills over time.
• Math: Solving math problems with increasing difficulty can help train your brain. Math problems push your brain to use logic, analytical skills, and trial and error to arrive at correct conclusions.

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