====== Anterior cingulate cortex ======
{{ ::anteriorcyngaltecortex.png?400|}}
The anterior [[cingulate cortex]] (ACC) is the frontal part of the [[cingulate cortex]] that resembles a "collar" surrounding the frontal part of the [[corpus callosum]]. It consists of [[Brodmann]] areas 24, 32, and 33.
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The **anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)** is a region in the **[[medial frontal lobe]]**, located in the **anterior part of the cingulate gyrus**, just above the corpus callosum. It is part of the **[[limbic system]]** and plays a key role in several cognitive and emotional functions.

===== Functions =====

1. **Cognitive Control & Attention:**  
   - Helps in **conflict monitoring**, adjusting behavior when errors are detected.
   - Plays a role in **task switching and response inhibition**.

2. **Emotion Regulation & Decision-Making:**  
   - Integrates **emotional and cognitive information** to guide behavior.
   - Helps in evaluating **reward and punishment** signals.
   - Dysfunction in this area is linked to **depression and anxiety disorders**.

3. **Pain Perception & Regulation:**  
   - Involved in the **affective (emotional) component of pain**.
   - Patients with ACC lesions may experience **pain as less bothersome**, even if they can still feel it.

4. **Autonomic Function:**  
   - Regulates autonomic responses such as **heart rate and blood pressure**.
   - Involved in responses to **stress and fear**.

5. **Social Behavior & Empathy:**  
   - Plays a role in **understanding the emotions of others**.
   - Dysfunction has been implicated in **autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia**.

### **Subdivisions of the ACC:**
- **Dorsal ACC (dACC):** More involved in **cognitive control, attention, and motor functions**.
- **Ventral ACC (vACC):** More involved in **emotion regulation and autonomic functions**.

### **Clinical Relevance:**
- Overactivity of the ACC has been linked to **obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)** and **chronic pain conditions**.
- Underactivity is associated with **depression, schizophrenia, and ADHD**.
- Damage to the ACC can lead to **apathy, emotional dysregulation, and impairments in motivation**.

Would you like information on specific disorders related to ACC dysfunction?
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===== Functions =====

see [[Anterior cingulate cortex functions]].