Which brain region continues to mature through adolescence and is linked to impulse control?

• A. Amygdala
• B. Prefrontal cortex
• C. Occipital lobe
• D. Hippocampus

Answer: (B)

Improvements in impulse control during adolescence come from the ongoing maturation of the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for planning, weighing consequences, and inhibiting inappropriate actions. This area continues to develop well into late adolescence and even early adulthood, which explains why self-control and thoughtful decision-making typically improve gradually during this period. The amygdala, while crucial for emotion and often more reactive in adolescence, matures earlier and works in tandem with the prefrontal circuits rather than driving late-stage self-control on its own. The occipital lobe handles visual processing and matures early, and the hippocampus is key for memory; neither is primarily linked to the gradual development of impulse control.