Which part of the brain is notably responsible for higher cognitive functions like reasoning?

The prefrontal cortex is a critical region of the brain associated with higher cognitive functions, including reasoning, decision-making, problem-solving, and the regulation of emotions and social behavior. It is located at the front of the frontal lobe and is involved in complex tasks that require planning and foresight. This area allows individuals to analyze information, weigh options, and consider the consequences of actions, which are essential for effective decision-making.

Other brain regions have different primary functions that do not center around reasoning. The amygdala, for example, is primarily involved in emotional processing and the formation of emotional memories, which can inform decision-making but does not handle reasoning tasks directly. The hippocampus plays a crucial role in memory formation, particularly in the consolidation of new memories and spatial navigation, rather than higher cognitive reasoning. The sensory cortex is involved in processing sensory information, such as touch, sight, and sound, but does not contribute to the reasoning processes that are a hallmark of prefrontal cortex activity. Thus, the prefrontal cortex is the definitive answer when discussing the neural basis of reasoning and higher cognitive functions.