prefrontal cortex
noun
: the gray matter of the anterior part of the frontal lobe that is highly developed in humans and plays a role in the regulation of complex cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning
Examples of prefrontal cortex in a Sentence
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This chemical cascade can shrink the hippocampus (memory center), activate the amygdala (fear response system), weaken connections between brain cells and reduce activity in the prefrontal cortex, which controls rational thinking.
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Arpit Jain, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Women’s bodies see more activation in the left prefrontal cortex of the brain when under stress than men’s and a higher activation of the amygdala.
—Carmen Rios, Flow Space, 12 May 2025
More recently, however, a 2021 study showed a measurable change in the brain caused by chronic pain; more specifically, in the decrease of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the prefrontal cortex.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 6 May 2025
Neurons in the prefrontal cortex, which are responsible for decision-making and personality expression, play a role in recalling memories.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
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Arpit Jain, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Women’s bodies see more activation in the left prefrontal cortex of the brain when under stress than men’s and a higher activation of the amygdala.
—Carmen Rios, Flow Space, 12 May 2025
More recently, however, a 2021 study showed a measurable change in the brain caused by chronic pain; more specifically, in the decrease of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the prefrontal cortex.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 6 May 2025
Neurons in the prefrontal cortex, which are responsible for decision-making and personality expression, play a role in recalling memories.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefrontal cortex
Cite this Entry
“Prefrontal cortex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prefrontal%20cortex. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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