prefrontal cortex

Microteaching Slides for the intoduction and Basics

1. PREFRONTAL CORTEX

2. Introduction Anatomy Functions Applied anatomy 2

3. PREFRONTAL CORTEX 3

4. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the anterior part of the frontal lobes of the brain, lying in front of the motor and pre-motor areas. The pre- frontal cortex just lies behind the forehead 4

5. ANATOMY AND CONNECTIONS OF PREFRONTAL CORTEX Lateral prefrontal cortex: with lots of reciprocal areas is well suited to regulate behaviour and control of response to environmental stimuli Orbitomedial prefrontal cortex: via its reciprocal neocortical and limbic connections ,is suited to integrate information about emotion and memory related to environmental stimuli . 5

6. FUNCTIONS OF THE PREFRONTAL CORTEX Regulates thought in terms of short-term and long-term decision making. Allows humans to plan ahead and create strategies, as well as to adjust actions and Reactions to various situations 6

7. FUNCTIONS OF THE PREFRONTAL CORTEX Social judgements are made here Helps to focus thoughts Allows humans to pay attention, learn, and concentrate on goals. evaluating complex concepts or tasks. 7

8. EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING The most typical psychological term for functions carried out by the prefrontal cortex area is executive function . Executive function relates: abilities to differentiate among conflicting thoughts, 8

9. Determine good and bad, better and best, same and different, Future consequences of current activities, working toward a defined goal, prediction of outcomes, expectation based on actions, and social "control" (the ability to suppress urges that, if not suppressed, could lead to socially-unacceptable outcomes). 9

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11. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS DAMAGE TO PREFRONTAL CORTEX....???? 11

12. The PFC is one of the most susceptible parts of the brain to damage . If the PFC is damaged in some way, personality can change drastically. For example, someone who had been outgoing can become quiet and withdrawn after suffering injury to their pre-frontal cortex . 12

13. Damage to the PFC can negatively impact someone’s ability to assess situations or perform tasks , especially if they have a moral or ethical aspect to them. People with damaged PFCs can be unable to discern appropriate behaviour or suffer from emotional distress , such as paranoia, anxiety, euphoria, and irritability 13

14. MAJOR SUBSTRUCTURES Superior Frontal Gyrus – involved in self awareness Inferior Frontal Gyrus – involved in go/no go tasks and risk aversion Broca’s Area– involved in speech and language production 14

15. conclusion The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the anterior part of the frontal lobes of the brain, lying in front of the motor and pre-motor areas. Damage to the PFC can negatively impact someone’s ability to assess situations or perform tasks, especially if they have a moral or ethical aspect to them 15

16. References Introduction to psychology – Clifford Morgan Textbook of Psychiatry – Niraj Ahuja 16

17. Thank you. 17