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Normal Development of Prefrontal Cortex from Birth to Young Adulthood: Cognitive Functions, Anatomy, and Biochemistry
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) undergoes one of the longest periods of development of any brain region, taking over two decades to reach full maturity in humans. This chapter focuses on normal development, dividing it into the following epochs: 0-1 years, 1-3 years, 3-7 years, and 7 years through early adulthood. For each epoch, it summarizes some of what is known about (a) the development of the working memory and inhibitory control functions that depend on PFC and (b) the anatomical and biochemical developmental changes in PFC during that period.
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“During early childhood, the development of self‐regulation is closely linked to brain development (Diamond, 2002; McClelland et al., 2018).”
From The effectiveness of implementation intentions in children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis (2026) · cites this paper as Diamond, 2002
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Metadata
- Authors
- Diamond, A.
- Affiliations
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (US)
- Corresponding author
- Diamond, Adele
- ORCID
- Diamond, Adele
- Venue
- Principles of Frontal Lobe Function
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Published
- 2002-08-08
- Pages
- 466-503
- OpenAlex
- W2476804520
- Cited by
- 1,248
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 19 · 2025: 48 · 2024: 61 · 2023: 63 · 2022: 69 · 2021: 85 · 2020: 53 · 2019: 55 · 2018: 66 · 2017: 53 · 2016: 62 · 2015: 51 · 2014: 57 · 2013: 72 · 2012: 69
- FWCI
- 19.16
- Type
- book chapter
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Oxford University Press eBooks (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Abilities and Testing
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Child and Animal Learning Development
- Keywords
- prefrontal cortex, brain development, working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive development, neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, infancy, childhood, adolescence, early adulthood
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