What is the function of the pre-septal area in the medial frontal cortex (MFC)?

From the Guidelines

The pre-septal area is not specifically located in the medial frontal cortex, but rather the term "preseptal" is often used in the context of orbital infections, referring to the area anterior to the orbital septum, which is a fibrous membrane separating the eyelids from the orbital cavity. In the context of neuroanatomy, the term "septal" refers to the septal nuclei, which are located in the basal forebrain and are part of the limbic system [not directly mentioned in 1]. The pre-septal area in the context of orbital infections, as described in the study 1, is crucial in differentiating preseptal cellulitis from postseptal cellulitis and abscess, highlighting the importance of imaging in identifying underlying sinusitis and intracranial complications of orbital infections. Key points to consider in the context of preseptal infections include:

• Preseptal cellulitis is usually caused by percutaneous introduction of the infectious pathogen or secondary to sinusitis or odontogenic in origin 1
• Clinical findings alone may not be specific enough to distinguish preseptal from orbital infections or those with complications 1
• The primary role of imaging is to differentiate preseptal cellulitis from postseptal cellulitis and abscess, and to identify underlying sinusitis and intracranial complications of orbital infections 1 It's essential to note that the study 1 focuses on orbital imaging and vision loss in children, and the term "preseptal" in this context refers to the area anterior to the orbital septum, rather than a specific region in the medial frontal cortex.

From the Research

Pre Septal Area in Medial Frontal Cortex

• The pre septal area is located in the medial frontal cortex, which is a crucial cortical region that integrates information from numerous cortical and subcortical areas 2.
• The medial frontal cortex, including the pre septal area, plays essential roles in cognitive processes, regulation of emotion, motivation, and sociability 2.
• The pre septal area is part of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which is highly interconnected with subcortical regions such as the thalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus 3.
• The mPFC, including the pre septal area, exerts top-down executive control over various cognitive domains and stimuli 3.
• Dysfunction of the mPFC, including the pre septal area, has been found in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and addiction 2.
• The pre septal area is also connected to the caudate, with the caudate showing significant hemispheric asymmetry 4.
• The medial prefrontal cortex, including the pre septal area, is involved in attention, inhibitory control, habit formation, and working, spatial or long-term memory 3.
• Brain structural effects of treatments for depression, such as antidepressive pharmacotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy, have been found to affect the medial prefrontal cortex, including the pre septal area 5.