It lies in the middle frontal gyrus of humans (i.e., lateral part of Brodmann's area (BA) 9 and 46[2]).

[12] As the DLPFC is composed of spatial selective neurons, it has a neural circuitry that encompasses the entire range of sub-functions necessary to carry out an integrated response, such as: sensory input, retention in short-term memory, and motor signaling.

[19] Patients with minor DLPFC damage display disinterest in their surroundings and are deprived of spontaneity in language as well as behavior.

[22] Working memory is the system that actively holds multiple pieces of transitory information in the mind, where they can be manipulated.

[25] There is an ongoing discussion if the DLPFC is specialized in a certain type of working memory, namely computational mechanisms for monitoring and manipulating items, or if it has a certain content, namely visuospatial information, which makes it possible to mentally represent coordinates within the spatial domain.

Smith, Jonides and Koeppe (1996)[26] observed a lateralisation of DLPFC activations during verbal and visual working memory.

The DLPFC may also be involved in the act of deception and lying,[29] which is thought to inhibit normal tendency to truth telling.

Research also suggests that using TMS on the DLPFC can impede a person's ability to lie or to tell the truth.

[30] Additionally, supporting evidence suggests that the DLPFC may also play a role in conflict-induced behavioral adjustment, for instance when an individual decides what to do when faced with conflicting rules.

[32] The activation of the DLPFC correlated with the behavioral performance, which suggests that this region maintains the high demands of the task to resolve conflict, and thus in theory plays a role in taking control.

Individuals who are behaviorally inhibited are more likely to experience feelings of stress and anxiety when faced with a particularly threatening situation.

Evidence for this theory includes neuroimaging studies that demonstrate DLPFC activity when an individual experiences vigilance.

[34] More specifically, it is theorized that threat-induced anxiety may also be connected to deficits in resolving problems, which leads to uncertainty.

[24][page needed] Along with regions of the brains such as the limbic system, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex deals heavily with major depressive disorder (MDD).

The DLPFC may contribute to depression due to being involved with the disorder on an emotional level during the suppression stage.

[42] In an experiment, researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to record the neural activity in healthy individuals who participated in tasks while in a stressful environment.

[44] Those who recreationally use drugs have been shown to engage in increased risky behavior, possibly correlating with a dysfunction of the DLPFC.

The executive controlling functions of the DLPFC in individuals who recreationally use drugs may have a weaker connection from risk factoring areas such as the anterior cingulate cortex and insula.

[44] This weaker connection is even shown in healthy subjects, such as a patient who continued to make risky decisions with a disconnect between their DLPFC and insula.

Lesions of the DLPFC may result in irresponsibility and freedom from inhibitions,[45] and the use of drugs can invoke the same response of willingness or inspiration to engage in the daring activity.

[46] As the anterior cingulate cortex works to inhibit any inappropriate behaviors through processing information to the executive network of the DLPFC,[46] as noted before this disruption in communication can lead to these actions being made.