THE PREFRONTAL CORTEX

WHERE IS IT? It is located behind the forehead, in the

frontal lobe of the brain

AND WHAT DOES IT DO…? Regulates short term

and long term decision making

Allows to plan ahead and make strategies

Enables to concentrate and learn

It also controls intense emotions and impulses (So the prefrontal cortex gives us good judgement, controlling inappropriate behavior)

STUDIES ON THE PREFRONTAL CORTEX On 2010, one group in the University

College London discovered a link between the size of one specific part of the prefrontal cortex and the ability of turning thoughts inward and reflecting upon one’s decisions.

Here is the link of the study (in case you want to read further) https://

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100916145047.htm

Another interesting study was one that took place in Iran. The aim of this study was to find out if the frontal lobe activity of chess players would differ from the frontal lobe activity of those who didn’t play chess. What researchers discovered is that chess players do not have any advantage in selective attention and inhibition. This study was completed in 2012.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230573724_Frontal_Lobe_Function_in_Chess_Players

And don’t forget the extraordinary case of Phineas Gage Phineas Gage had a terrible accident on

1848, when a metal rod crossed his head from the cheekbone to the top of his head. His frontal cortex got serious damage, which caused the loss of social inhibitions (Conscious or unconscious restraint of a behavioral process, desire, or impulse). These accident gave neurologists evidence that the frontal cortex was involved in personality and behavior.

https://bigpictureeducation.com/brain-case-study-phineas-gage

A DYSFUNCTIONAL PREFRONTAL CORTEX According to a report published by

Nature, damage to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (which is the area in charge of the expression of emotions) would lead to decision making not being influenced my emotional reactions.

An injury in the prefrontal cortex affects emotional control, therefore it can lead to an easily triggered aggressive behavior

Severe behavioral problems (stealing, lying, no guilt or remorse felt, no response to punishments)

No motivation felt

http://www.bcftbi.org/about-tbi/behavior.asp

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/brain-damage-makes-utilitarian-decisions-easier/