The prefrontal cortex is a region of the brain that is important for many higher-level cognitive functions, including planning, decision-making, and regulating emotions. The prefrontal cortex is located in the front part of the brain, just behind the forehead. It is one of the most recently evolved regions of the brain, and is thought to be uniquely human.
The prefrontal cortex is believed to be involved in many different mental disorders, including schizophrenia, ADHD, depression, and addiction. Because of its importance in cognition and emotion, damage to the prefrontal cortex can have serious consequences. For example, people with damage to this region often have trouble controlling their impulses and may act impulsively without thinking about the consequences.
Scientists are still working to understand all of the functions of the prefrontal cortex. However, it is clear that this region plays an important role in our ability to think clearly and make good decisions.