Final answer:
The involvement of the prefrontal cortex in the timing of attention and temporal mapping is critical for executive functions such as organization and cognitive flexibility. PET scans have highlighted its activation during various tasks that help in processing and retaining information. The prefrontal cortex's role in mapping time intervals pertains to its overarching influence on cognitive processing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The timing of attention and the role of prefrontal mapping of time intervals involve a complex neural process rooted in the functions of the prefrontal cortex of the brain. This area of the brain is responsible for various executive functions, including attention, memory, and organization. Research has shown that the prefrontal cortex plays a pivotal role in cognitive tasks, such as the set generation subtest that examines a person's ability to organize information, and the modulation of cognitive flexibility through restraint of stress responses. Additionally, neurological imaging studies, including PET scans, have indicated different patterns of activation in the prefrontal cortex during semantic and perceptual tasks, highlighting its involvement in processing and retaining information. Thus, the prefrontal cortex's role in mapping temporal aspects of attention signifies its critical function in the broader spectrum of cognitive processing.