ABSTRACT
Neuropsychological maturation is a complex process of developmental brain reorganization that involves numerous brain systems interacting through genetic, neurobiological, and experiential forces. Among these systems, the prefrontal cortex plays a leading role in fostering life span maturation, particularly coordinating the physiology of multiple neural networks, enabling self-regulation, and mediating the many executive and social-emotional processes that underlie goal-directed behavior and adaptive social actions (Blair, Zelazo, & Greenberg, 2005; Eslinger, 1996; Eslinger & Grattan, 1991; Segalowitz & Rose-Krasnor, 1992; Stuss, 1992; Tranel & Eslinger, 2000). The rate and trajectory of prefrontal cortical change during development has a reverberating effect on maturation of the many brain systems that underlie adaptive behavior (Eslinger, Grattan, & Damasio, 1992; Goldman & Galkin, 1978; Kolb, Gibb, & Gorny, 2000). Such prefrontal neurophysiology facilitates the adaptive plasticity and organization of functional cortical and subcortical systems. In this way, the potential resources of multiple neuropsychological processes can be coordinated and harnessed for the difficult tasks of childhood and adolescent maturation. In this chapter, we address clinical, cognitive, and neuroscience aspects of developmental prefrontal cortex lesions and typical prefrontal cortical maturation. Several approaches, which altogether help us to understand the impact of prefrontal pathophysiology on development, will be discussed. To date, case studies of the natural history of prefrontal lesions in children have provided invaluable insights into these complex issues. More recently fine-grained cognitive analyses coupled with contemporary functional brain imaging methods allow us to take a broader perspective on the
role of the prefrontal cortex in development. Moreover, maturation of the prefrontal cortex and related networks constitutes one of the most important challenges of childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood and a major neurobiological foundation for independent and adaptive adult functioning.
