What function is the orbitofrontal cortex primarily associated with?

The orbitofrontal cortex plays a crucial role in impulse control, which involves the ability to resist immediate temptations or urges in favor of long-term goals. This region of the prefrontal cortex is critical for decision-making, particularly in evaluating rewards and predicting the outcomes of actions. It helps in modulating behavior based on the anticipated consequences, which is essential for self-regulation and managing impulses.

Understanding this function is vital in recognizing how disruptions to the orbitofrontal cortex can manifest in conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder or addiction, where impulse control becomes severely compromised. This relationship underscores the significance of the orbitofrontal cortex in mental health, social behavior, and adaptive functioning.