mOFC

Medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) is a region of the orbitofrontal cortex located on the ventral surface of the frontal lobes, near the midline. It is commonly viewed as part of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex in humans and other primates. The mOFC is distinguished from more lateral parts of the orbitofrontal cortex by its connectivity and its role in valuing rewarding stimuli and guiding approach-related decisions.

Anatomy and connectivity

The mOFC receives input from limbic structures such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and various thalamic nuclei, and it projects to areas including the ventral striatum, nucleus accumbens, hypothalamus, and other prefrontal regions. This pattern supports the integration of emotional, memory-related, and sensory information to generate a representation of the value and desirability of outcomes. The mOFC is often discussed in conjunction with the broader orbitofrontal network that evaluates reward magnitude, probability, and personal relevance.

Functions

The primary role of the mOFC is to encode the subjective value of rewards and to guide decision making based on anticipated outcomes. It participates in updating value representations as contingencies change and in learning from feedback. The region also contributes to emotion regulation and social behavior, helping to shape choices that depend on reward expectations, risk, and affective significance. In humans, neuroimaging studies frequently associate mOFC activity with the evaluation of pleasant stimuli, monetary rewards, and the perceived desirability of options.

Clinical relevance

Damage or dysfunction of the orbitofrontal cortex, including the mOFC, can lead to disinhibition, impulsivity, and impaired decision making, sometimes described as orbitofrontal syndrome. Altered mOFC function has been linked to mood disorders, addiction, and other conditions where reward processing and value-based decisions are affected. Neuroimaging findings are generally that mOFC activity tracks subjective value and reward expectation, though patterns can vary with context and task.