Which brain region is most closely associated with the central executive?

• A. The hippocampus
• B. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)
• C. The amygdala
• D. The occipital cortex

Answer: (B)

The central executive is the control system of working memory, directing attention, switching tasks, and coordinating the other memory subsystems. Neuroimaging and lesion studies consistently point to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex as the primary neural region supporting these high-level control processes, such as updating and manipulating information and inhibiting distractions. In contrast, the hippocampus is mainly involved in forming and retrieving long-term memories, the amygdala in emotional processing, and the occipital cortex in visual processing. Because of its role in flexible, goal-directed control of thoughts and actions, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is the best fit for the central executive.