prefrontal cortex
the most anterior (forward) part of the cerebral cortex of each frontal lobe in the brain. Divided into a dorsolateral region and an orbitofrontal region (see orbitofrontal cortex), the prefrontal cortex functions in attention, planning, working memory, and the expression of emotions and appropriate social behaviors; its development in humans parallels improvement in cognitive control and behavioral inhibition as an individual grows into adulthood. By contrast, damage to the prefrontal cortex leads to emotional, motor, and cognitive impairments. Also called frontal association area.