Prefrontal cortex: functions and associated disorders.

We explore one of the most interesting parts of the human brain, linked to decision making.

The human brain is made up of many structures, one of the most visible and the one that takes the longest to develop being the cortex, the shallow, folded part of the brain that we have all seen drawn or photographed at one time or another. This cortex is an essential part of great importance for human beings, as it allows the integration and processing of different information and enables the existence of complex skills such as abstract thinking, self-awareness and planning.

The cerebral cortex can be divided into two clearly delimitable right and left hemispheres, as well as into several different cerebral lobes. In our species, the largest of these and the one that in turn generates the most research is the frontal lobe, of which one of the most relevant parts is the prefrontal cortex. of which one of the most relevant parts is the prefrontal cortex, which is actively involved inIt is actively involved in enabling the adaptive behavior of the individual and even the establishment of specific personality characteristics.

The prefrontal cortex: location in the brain.

As we have seen, the prefrontal cortex is a part of the cerebral cortex that belongs a part of the cerebral cortex belonging to the frontal lobe.. It is located in the part of the brain closest to the face. It is considered a multimodal or tertiary association area, since it coordinates information coming from other brain areas. This is a large brain area of great importance in explaining behavioral control, personality and even cognitive abilities.

This part of the neocortex is the region of the brain that takes the longest time to develop, as in fact it isIn fact, it is not considered to complete its development until early adulthood between the ages of twenty and twenty-five. Cognitive processes and executive functions could not be carried out without its participation, so we are dealing with one of the most relevant areas when it comes to adapting our behavior to situations and performing complex cognitive operations.

The prefrontal cortex has important connections with a large number of brain regions, both cortical and subcortical, such as the limbic system, the basal ganglia, the hippocampus, the thalamus and the rest of the brain lobes. This is why it influences and is influenced by a great amount of information coming from many different regions, being essential for the correct management of behavior and our resources.

Subdivisions of this part of the brain

Although the prefrontal cortex is a part of the frontal lobe, it has often been divided into various structures, all of which are of great importance. Three of the most important circuits that are part of the prefrontal cortex are as follows.

1. Orbitofrontal cortex

The orbitofrontal cortex is probably one of the best known regions of the prefrontal cortex. This area is especially important in controlling the responses we give socially, as well as in inhibiting unacceptable behaviors. inhibiting unacceptable behaviors and control of aggression.

2. Dorsolateral cortex

This part of the brain is one of the most developed in humans. It is mainly in charge of processing cognitive information and is one of the main prefrontal regions linked to the executive functions that allow us to plan, solve problems, memorize or form ideas. It is also considered to have a strong link to the capacity for self-awareness.

3. Ventromedial cortex

The ventromedial part of the prefrontal cortex is particularly linked to perception and linked to the perception and expression of emotions, as well as to the capacity for motivation.The ventromedial part of the prefrontal cortex is especially linked to the perception and expression of emotions, as well as to the human being's capacity for motivation (the anterior cingulate is especially responsible for this), the control or inhibition of the responses given to the environment and the creative capacity.

Prefrontal functions

The prefrontal cortex is an area of great importance for our survival in the environment in which we live and our coexistence in society. The functions of this brain region are multiplewhich integrates and coordinates a large number of processes.

Some of them are detailed below.

Executive functions

The prefrontal cortex is especially known for being the region of the brain most the region of the brain most closely linked to executive functions.. These are defined as the set of fundamentally cognitive skills and aptitudes that allow adaptation to the environment and problem solving based on the integration of diverse information and the foresight and performance of behaviors based on them.

Within these functions we find the capacity of anticipation, goal setting and the initiation and maintenance of action, decision making and behavioral inhibitionThe ability to plan based on memory, the capacity to modify our strategies or to elaborate abstract concepts and ideas.

2. Attention, memory and intelligence

Attention fixation and working memory are also mediated by the prefrontal cortex, as well as the cognitive capacity and the ability to adapt to the environment. This does not mean that it is the only area dedicated to these purposes, but it does have a very high participation.

3. Social behavior

Another of the main functions of the prefrontal is the control of social behavior. Based on our interactions and the learning extracted both from them and from the rest of the information we capture, we are able to regulate our expressions and behaviorsWe are also able to empathize, restrict behavior based on possible consequences, and consider points of view other than our own.

4. Motivation

Linking emotion and cognition so that we establish a plan to carry out certain actions is also due to the proper functioning of the prefrontal cortex. Thus, we are able to motivate ourselves and to direct our behavior to achieve a goal that seduces us. that seduces us.

5. Emotionality

Although it is the limbic system that is most closely linked to the field of emotions, the prefrontal region of the brain is of great importance both in perceiving and expressing emotions, translating them into physiological reactions or allowing their conscious control. allowing their conscious control.

Personality

Different aspects of personality are largely mediated by the functioning of the prefrontal cortex. The establishment of more or less stable behavioral patterns in the various aspects of life, and typical traits such as inhibition or shyness, or responsibility are some of the typical characteristics.or responsibility are some of the elements mediated by this brain region.

Lesions in this brain area

The presence of lesions in the prefrontal area can cause serious alterations in the psyche and abilities of individuals. Specifically, it can generate loss of emotional expression (especially at facial level), deficit in impulse control, disinhibition, personality changes, antisocial behavior, hypersexuality and hyperorality, serious failures in planning, judgment and postponement of rewards. Also flattened thinking, slowed down and with little creative capacity.

These aspects can be seen in a Wide range of cases, such as injuries produced by cranioencephalic traumatisms or dementias such as frontotemporal dementias or Huntington's chorea.

An example of prefrontal lesions: the case of Phineas Gage.

One of the best known and first documented cases of prefrontal injury is the case of Phineas Gage, a young man who, while preparing explosives for the purpose, had an iron bar penetrate his head through the prefrontal cortex and specifically the orbitofrontal part. The young man managed to survive the accident and recover from the injuries.

However, as time went by, it became evident that Phineas Gage had changed: he had become aggressive, impulsive and hostile, with little ability to wait and unable to plan actions or sustain them over time. In addition to this he would suffer from epilepsy, a problem that led to his death at the age of 38 after losing work, family and friends.

Bibliographical references:

• Goldberg, E. (2009). The executive brain: frontal lobes and civilized mind. Critique.

• Kandel, E.R.; Schwartz, J.H.; Jessell, T.M. (2001). Principles of Neuroscience. Madrird: MacGrawHill.

• Kolb, B. & Wishaw, I. (2006). Human neuropsychology. Madrid: Editorial Médica Panamericana.

• Pineda, D. (2000) Executive function and its disorders. In: Revista de Neurología, 30 (8) 764.