The odd term “Prefrontal cortex” refers to the large region of the frontal lobe that lies anterior to the motor and premotor cortex (Brodmann’s areas 4 & 6). Thus PFC includes Brodmann’s areas 9,10, 11, 46, 47, etc.). In general, PFC functions as an executive, allowing attention, planning, organization, abstract thought, multi-tasking, and active memory. Historically, PFC was the target of the infamous frontal lobotomies once purported to cure asocial behaviors and/or psychiatric illness. PFC is reciprocally connected with the mediodorsal (MD) nuclei of the thalamus.
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