Where is the prefrontal cortex and what are its functions?

The prefrontal cortex is a portion of the cortex located near the forehead, and is the area of the brain largely responsible for a range of complex human activities. As development occurs, the prefrontal cortex monitors and guides other parts of the brain's activities including planning, maintaining attention, reasoning, decision making, emotional control, and the inhibition of unhealthy thoughts and behaviours (Cartwright, 2012; Casey, Jones, & Somerville, 2011; Kurzwel, 2012; Yang & Raine, 2009). Some authors also suggest that an integral link exists between a person's personality and the fuctions of the prefrontal cortex (DeYoung et. al., 2010)