The front-most portion of the frontal lobes; involved in planning and reasoning; one of the last areas of the brain to mature.

Explore the Biological Bases of Behavior Test. Prepare with engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring explanations. Start practicing today!

The front-most portion of the frontal lobes is the prefrontal cortex. This region governs executive functions—planning, reasoning, decision-making, working memory, and impulse control. It matures more slowly than other brain areas, with development continuing into early adulthood, which helps explain why complex planning and abstract reasoning improve across adolescence into the twenties. The prefrontal cortex integrates information from various brain regions to set goals, strategize, weigh consequences, and regulate behavior. In contrast, the occipital lobe handles vision, the parietal lobe processes sensory input and spatial relationships, and the temporal lobe deals with hearing, language, and memory.