The working mechanism of the frontal lobe of the brain

The prefrontal cortex is the core brain area responsible for advanced cognitive functions, mainly coordinating complex behaviors through four mechanisms: executive control, decision-making, emotion regulation, and working memory.

1. Executive Control

The prefrontal cortex maintains goal-directed behavior by suppressing irrelevant information interference. This area forms a neural circuit with the basal ganglia, which can filter out interfering stimuli in the environment. When an individual needs to concentrate on completing a task, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activates and suppresses the activity of the default mode network. Impaired execution control function may lead to attention deficit or difficulty in multitasking.

2. Decision making

Evaluate the value of integrating sensory information and emotional signals in the ventral prefrontal cortex. This area has dense connections with the edge system, which can balance the potential benefits and risks of different options. During the decision-making process, dopaminergic neurons are activated, encoding the difference between expected rewards and actual outcomes. This functional abnormality may manifest as impulsive behavior or decision-making difficulties.

III. Emotional Regulation

The orbitofrontal cortex achieves emotional management by regulating amygdala activity. When negative emotions arise, the area will send inhibitory signals to reduce the intensity of emotional responses. This top-down regulation requires the involvement of neurotransmitters such as serotonin. Long term stress may impair this function, leading to mood regulation disorders or anxiety symptoms.

4. Working memory

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex temporarily stores and processes information through continuous firing of neurons. This short-term memory ability relies on the activation of circular circuits in glutamatergic neurons. The working memory capacity is influenced by the thickness of the prefrontal cortex, and training can enhance the efficiency of related neural circuits. The decline in this function may lead to delayed thinking and a decrease in information processing speed. Maintaining frontal lobe health requires comprehensive intervention measures. Regular aerobic exercise can promote the secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factors, and the Mediterranean diet pattern can provide necessary omega-3 fatty acids. Mindfulness meditation training can enhance the functional connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system, ensuring adequate sleep and helping to clear metabolic waste. Avoiding long-term chronic stress and cultivating cognitive reserve can help maintain the normal functioning of the prefrontal cortex. When there is persistent attention deficit or difficulty regulating emotions, it is recommended to seek professional neuropsychological assessment.