Part of the cerebral cortex, right at the front of the frontal lobe.
What does it do?
Regulates behaviour and governs social interaction; gives us the ability to delay gratification of an impulse by inhibiting messages from the amygdala.
Link with aggression?
Damage to the prefrontal cortex leads to problems with anger management, irritability and impulse control.
Evidence - case study of Phineas Cage
Railway worker in USA.
In 1848 an explosive set off early, sending an iron rod through his face and out of his head.
It caused damage to his prefrontal cortex.
After this, he became irresponsible and aggressive.
