The rostrolateral prefrontal cortex becomes more active at the start of the meditative practice. It also is more active during focused attention, open awareness, and Zen meditations.  The meditation practices of the individuals that had structural differences in the rostrolateral prefrontal cortex were Insight, Tibetan Buddist, and Brain Wave Vibration (BMV) meditation.

The rostrolateral prefrontal cortex in meditation

The rostrolateral prefrontal cortex is involved in metacognition and introspection,  the evaluation of self-generation information, the processing of complex and abstract information, and the integration of multiple higher-order cognitive processes in service of a behavioral goal.

University of Georgia

A part of the frontal lobe that is responsible for higher-level cognitive functioning and focuses on "in the moment" or rash behavior (decision-making, problem solving, and so on). This area is also responsible for the development of personality. The PFC has a handful of (not universally agreed upon) subdivisions:

- Dorsomedial
- Dorsolateral
- Ventromedial
- Ventrolateral
- Orbitofrontal

Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)

Wang, P. P., & Jernigan, T. L. (1994). Morphometric studies using neuroimaging. Neurologic clinics, 12(4), 789–802.

Morphometric studies using neuroimaging. 

Rostrolateral Prefrontal Cortex (Brodmann's Area 10 / Frontopolar Cortex)

The orbitofrontal cortex is connected to primary sensory regions and the  limbic system, including the amygdala, striatum, and hypothalamus. The orbitofrontal cortex is essential for understanding the precise relationship between stimuli and motivational outcomes. It may generate more flexible assessments of stimuli and experience. The orbitofrontal cortex is also implicated in emotion regulation, specifically down-regulating and reappraising negative emotional states. This regulatory function may be part of a broader role for the orbitofrontal cortex in the self-monitoring and integration of cognitive and emotional cues in decision-making. 

Orbitofrontal Cortex

The case of Theona, a 62-year-old woman, illustrates the effects of a stroke on the right frontal lobe. The damage resulted in both motor and behavioral deficits. She experienced difficulty moving her left leg, demonstrating the right hemisphere's control over the body's left side. Additionally, damage to her prefrontal cortex led to a loss of impulse control, evidenced by behavioral changes like eating unpaid items in a store, which highlights the prefrontal cortex's role in judgment and reasoning.

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