Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex: Working Memory and Executive Functions

The prefrontal cortex is essential for higher cognitive functions, and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is particularly important. This book focuses on the functions of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, summarizes research results obtained mainly from non-human primate studies, and describes neural mechanisms of executive functions. It also describes how the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex contributes to neural mechanisms for sensory and motor processing, memory control, decision-making, metacognition, and top-down control. This book provides valuable information for neuroscientists and helps to plan further investigation to understand prefrontal functions in primates and human subjects.

Format: Hardback
Length: 543 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

The prefrontal cortex, a vital region of the brain, is renowned for its crucial role in executing a wide range of higher cognitive functions. Among the various regions within the prefrontal cortex, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex assumes the most significant responsibilities for these cognitive processes. This book specifically delves into the functions of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, summarizing research findings primarily derived from studies conducted on non-human primates. Additionally, it explores the neural mechanisms involved in executive functions, which the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex actively participates in.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and its functions, it is essential to examine its anatomical and functional characteristics. This chapter provides an overview of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex's anatomy and functional features, as well as a historical perspective on prefrontal functions. By exploring these aspects, we can gain insights into the unique characteristics of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and how it contributes to cognitive processes.

In order to comprehend the functions of the prefrontal cortex and the neural mechanisms underlying executive functions, the concept of working memory holds significant importance. Working memory refers to the system responsible for temporarily storing and manipulating information in the service of completing tasks. Sustained activation of the prefrontal cortex during the memory period of working memory tasks is recognized as a crucial neural mechanism underlying working memory. Therefore, this book aims to describe the features of sustained memory-related activity based on neurophysiological results obtained in the prefrontal cortex. It explores how memory-related activity contributes to executive functions such as attention control, inhibitory control, task management, and planning.

Furthermore, this book delves into the role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in neural mechanisms for sensory and motor processing, memory control in multitasking performance, decision-making, metacognition, and top-down control. By providing detailed explanations of these functions, this book offers valuable insights to neuroscientists and aids in the planning of further investigations to unravel the intricate workings of the prefrontal cortex in primates and human subjects.

Weight: 1004g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811972676
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022