The prefrontal cortex, mediator of cross-temporal contingencies

Abstract

A large body of empirical evidence supports the notion of a critical role of the prefrontal cortex in the temporal organization of goal-directed behavioral sequences. The key element of that role is the bridging of cross-temporal contingencies of behavior, in other words, the adjustment of the actions of the organism to temporally distant events and objectives. By the analysis of lesion effects, neuroelectrical phenomena, and metabolic activity we are led to conclude that the prefrontal cortex subserves at least three cognitive functions that allow the mediation of cross-temporal contingencies and, thereby, the formation of temporally extended structures of behavior: short-term memory, preparatory set, and control of interference. The three have a somewhat different topographic representation within the prefrontal cortex and thus the principle of its functional heterogeneity is upheld. However, all three sustain the supraordinate role of the prefrontal cortex in the temporal integration of behavior.