Anterior cingulate cortex

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.

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.

1. Cognitive Control & Attention:

1. Helps in conflict monitoring, adjusting behavior when errors are detected.
2. Plays a role in task switching and response inhibition.

2. Emotion Regulation & Decision-Making:

1. Integrates emotional and cognitive information to guide behavior.
2. Helps in evaluating reward and punishment signals.
3. Dysfunction in this area is linked to depression and anxiety disorders.

3. Pain Perception & Regulation:

1. Involved in the affective (emotional) component of pain.
2. Patients with ACC lesions may experience pain as less bothersome, even if they can still feel it.

4. Autonomic Function:

1. Regulates autonomic responses such as heart rate and blood pressure.
2. Involved in responses to stress and fear.

5. Social Behavior & Empathy:

1. Plays a role in understanding the emotions of others.
2. 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?

see Anterior cingulate cortex functions.