Question

The prefrontal cortex region of the brain undergoes many changes during adolescence. Which types of functions are controlled by the prefrontal cortex?
motor control, such as athletic ability
critical thinking, such as decision-making
sensory awareness, such as taste and smell
information processing, such as language and reading skills

Answer 1

Correct answers: critical thinking (such as decision‑making) and information processing (such as language and reading skills).

Explanation: the prefrontal cortex mediates higher‑order executive functions — planning, judgment, decision‑making, working memory and aspects of language processing. Primary motor control (athletic ability) and primary sensory awareness (taste, smell) are handled mainly by other cortical areas (primary motor cortex and primary/primary‑association sensory/olfactory areas).