The position of the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia positions inside the human brain. The prefrontal cortex is a part of the brain, about which we have all heard, which does not mature until age 25.  It helps to regulate brain’s preconscious responses which occur in a few milliseconds (less than 33) in the amygdala.   It possibly does this via the basal ganglia.  You can see in this picture that the prefrontal cortex is immediately in front of, and above, the basal ganglia.

Here is a picture of of the basal ganglia position in relation to the position of the amygdalae. For a link to the source of this diagram, please see the post in this blog on the basal ganglia, the prefrontal cortex, the amygdala, and anger .

As we all know, it is very important for us to be able to control our anger.   Knowing something about the mechanics of it can help us to “keep our heads cool”.