How does the anterior mid-cingulate cortex work?
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The anterior mid-cingulate cortex (AMCC) is a crucial brain region involved in regulating tenacity and willpower. It is not only involved in managing energy allocation across different brain and body parts but also plays a pivotal role in our ability to tackle challenges and exert self-control. The AMCC gets activated when we engage in hard tasks or resist temptations, and its activity level is associated with higher persistence and grit, which is the ability to face challenges head-on 1 2.
The AMCC also interacts with various other brain systems, including the dopamine and autonomic systems. It helps control cardiovascular function, respiration, and even immune responses. This connectivity aids in engaging and coordinating the body's response to challenges and goals 2.
Interestingly, the AMCC can undergo plastic changes, meaning it can strengthen and adapt when engaged regularly through challenging tasks. This enhances its capacity and can even lead to increased brain volume, particularly evident in "super agers," who maintain cognitive functions well into older age 2 3. Therefore, engaging this brain area can enhance resilience across various life aspects, improving how we approach daunting tasks and resist undesirable behaviors.
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