dlPFC

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) refers to parts of the prefrontal cortex located on the lateral surface of the frontal lobes, typically including parts of Brodmann areas 9 and 46 in humans. It lies rostrally to the premotor areas and dorsally along the lateral convexity, and it maintains extensive connections with parietal, premotor, and limbic regions.

Functions of the DLPFC are central to executive processes. It supports working memory, planning, cognitive flexibility, abstract reasoning, and the regulation of attention and decision-making. The region actively sustains and manipulates information in working memory, supervises behavior according to goals, and adapts strategies in response to feedback. It also helps gate information flow and resolve interference from competing inputs, coordinating complex goal-directed behavior.

Connectivity and networks: The DLPFC participates in the frontoparietal network and has reciprocal connections with the posterior parietal cortex, anterior cingulate, basal ganglia, thalamus, and various sensory association areas. Dopaminergic input from midbrain structures modulates its activity, with dopamine effects that depend on receptor subtypes and task demands, influencing the stability and updating of working memory representations.

Clinical relevance: Disruption of DLPFC function is associated with several conditions. Lesions can cause deficits in working memory and executive control. Functional imaging links abnormal DLPFC activity to schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, and mood disorders. Noninvasive brain stimulation targeting the left DLPFC, particularly repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), is used for treatment-resistant depression and is studied for other disorders. In some cases, invasive approaches such as deep brain stimulation have been explored.

Development: The DLPFC matures later than primary sensory regions, with structural and functional refinement continuing through adolescence into early adulthood. This protracted development aligns with the emergence of higher-order executive abilities.