The Position of the Prefrontal Cortex in the Cortical Hierarchy

Excerpt

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) exerts control on the flow of sensory information in cortical circuits, integrates current stimulus streams with stored memories, and plans motor action. Prefrontal neurons exhibit quantitatively distinct firing properties relative to its afferent inputs. These can be traced to unique anatomical morphology, neurotransmitter receptor composition, and relative distribution of different interneuron types. This evidence suggests a position of PFC on the top of the cortical hierarchy that processes sensory information and controls behavior. A functional specialization is also present within the PFC, as it comprises multiple areas that are hierarchically organized. Other brain structures exert influence on PFC activity critical for the control of behavior, including the thalamus and neuromodulator systems. In that sense, PFC is a critical node of the broader circuit that instantiates intelligent behavior.