Why is the prefrontal cortex the last to develop?

MRI studies of the brain show that developmental processes tend to occur in the brain in a back to front pattern, explaining why the prefrontal cortex develops last. With more myelin comes the growth of important brain connections, allowing for better flow of information between brain regions.

Is the prefrontal cortex one of the last to develop?

The brain develops in a back to front pattern, and the prefrontal cortex is the last portion of the brain to fully develop. This does not mean that children do not have functional prefrontal cortices. Rather, they do not develop the complex decision-making and planning skills adults have until they are older.

Why is the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex important?

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex has been found to be involved in superordinate control functions for various cognitive tasks such as decision making, novelty detection, working memory, conflict management, mood regulation, theory of mind processing, and timing.

What part of the brain develops last?

The frontal lobes, home to key components of the neural circuitry underlying “executive functions” such as planning, working memory, and impulse control, are among the last areas of the brain to mature; they may not be fully developed until halfway through the third decade of life [2].

When did the prefrontal cortex develop?

The development and maturation of the prefrontal cortex occurs primarily during adolescence and is fully accomplished at the age of 25 years. The development of the prefrontal cortex is very important for complex behavioral performance, as this region of the brain helps accomplish executive brain functions.

What age does the prefrontal cortex start to develop?

25 years
The development and maturation of the prefrontal cortex occurs primarily during adolescence and is fully accomplished at the age of 25 years. The development of the prefrontal cortex is very important for complex behavioral performance, as this region of the brain helps accomplish executive brain functions.

How does the prefrontal cortex change during adolescence?

During adolescence, myelination and synaptic pruning in the prefrontal cortex increase s , improving the efficiency of information processing, and neural connections between the prefrontal cortex and other regions of the brain are strengthened. However, this growth takes time and the growth is uneven.

What makes up the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex?

Historically, the DLPFC was defined by its connection to: the superior temporal cortex, the posterior parietal cortex, the anterior and posterior cingulate, the premotor cortex, the retrosplenial cortex, and the neocerebellum.

Which part of the brain matures first?

The first areas to mature were those with the most basic functions, such as those processing the senses and movement. Areas involved in spatial orientation and language (parietal lobes) followed, around the age of puberty (11–13 years).