Which set correctly lists three divisions of the prefrontal cortex?

• A. Mediofrontal cortex (MFC) / Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC); Orbitofrontal cortex (OFC); Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)
• B. Primary motor cortex; Premotor cortex; Supplementary motor area
• C. Temporal lobe; Parietal lobe; Occipital lobe
• D. Brainstem; Thalamus; Basal ganglia

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is recognizing the three major subdivisions that are commonly described within the prefrontal cortex. This set includes the medial frontal region (often referred to as the mediofrontal cortex, which encompasses the anterior cingulate cortex), the orbitofrontal cortex, and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Each plays a distinct role in higher-order cognition: the mediofrontal/ACC areas are important for monitoring action, detecting errors, and guiding motivation; the orbitofrontal cortex evaluates reward and punishment to influence decisions based on value; and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex handles working memory, cognitive control, and planning. Together, they capture key functional domains of the prefrontal cortex.

The other options don’t fit because they point to areas outside the prefrontal cortex. The motor-related regions (primary motor, premotor, supplementary motor areas) are behind the prefrontal regions and specialize in movement. The temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes are non-prefrontal cortical areas. And the brainstem, thalamus, and basal ganglia are subcortical structures, not divisions of the prefrontal cortex itself.