#vlpfc

[neurosciencenews]

Two Distinct Brain Regions Have Independent Influence on Decision-Making

Often when we make a decision, we calculate its "expected value," by multiplying the value of something (how much we want or need it) with the probability that we might be able to obtain it, a concept first introduced by 17th-century mathematician Blaise Pascal.

The research is in Neuron. (full open access)

[studyingbymylonesome]

-Medial prefrontal cortex plays an important role in interpreting and understanding the thoughts and mental states of ourselves and others

. – Amygdala is important for emotional (positive and negative) reactions.

 – Ventromedial prefrontal cortex: a critical hub for caregiving behaviors, morality, and decisionmaking, by combining cognitive and emotional processes necessary to guide social behavior. An area of the brain called the ventromedial prefrontal cortex has been found to be important for certain aspects of human morality. Patients who have damage to this brain region or who have had it removed also tend to experience less empathy, embarrassment, and guilt than people without damage to this region.

 – Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex plays an important role in self-control and intelligence.

 – Insula provides the foundation for being aware of our body feels. 

– Posterior superior temporal sulcus is a key region to understand the intentions of others.