Anterior cingulate cortex - Definition and Overview

Anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is the frontal part of the cingulate cortex and includes the Brodmann areas 24 (ventral ACC) and 32 (dorsal ACC). The ACC appears to play a role in decision-making and emotion, as well as certain autonomic functions such as regulating the heart rate.

According to the latest researches made by Alcino Silva and colleagues at the University of California, Los Angeles, the anterior cingulate cortex is responsible for rendering new memories permanent.

In humans and great apes, the anterior cingulate cortex contains cells known as spindle neurons. These neurons are not found in any other animal, and are only found in the ACC.

External links

• The Anterior Cingulate Cortex: The Evolution of an Interface Between Emotion and Cognition (http://www.allmanlab.caltech.edu/research/spindlecells1.htm), paper by John Allman et al