Which of the following is an example of a dorsolateral prefrontal cortex function?

• A. Working memory
• B. Verbal and nonverbal fluency
• C. Social perception
• D. Olfactory discrimination

Answer: (A)

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is key for working memory, the ability to hold and manipulate information in mind over short periods while you plan or execute a task. This supports keeping track of rules, sequences, and updating what you’re doing as new information comes in, which is exactly what working-memory tasks probe.

Fluency tasks tap more on language production and retrieval networks that are distinct from the core dorsolateral region. Social perception involves networks related to understanding others’ mental states and emotions, including ventromedial and orbitofrontal areas and temporal regions. Olfactory discrimination relies on olfactory processing areas as well as related orbitofrontal circuits, not primarily the dorsolateral cold area.

So, the example of a dorsolateral prefrontal cortex function is working memory.