Prefrontal Cortex and Long-Term Memory

Typically, medial temporal lobe regions are thought to be the major players in long-term memory functions. Prefrontal cortex's role in these functions has only been appreciated more recently. In addition to the rehearsal processes traditionally thought to facilitate the transition of information from short-term to long-term memory, the prefrontal cortex is intimately involved in the encoding and retrieval processes that are critical to effective long-term memory functioning.

A recent presentation (PPT; PDF) that I gave reviews recent evidence about the PFC's role in these functions, with special attention to the functional anatomy of both ventral and dorsolateral frontal regions.

Sorry for the reduction in posts lately; it's finals week, and I'm taking an extra class (bad idea). Expect a more regular pattern of posting to begin in the next few weeks.