ch. 8: executive function Flashcards

1
Q

What happened to Phineas Gage after his frontal lobe injury?

A

He became disinhibited, irreverent, capricious, disrespectful of social conventions, and unable to hold a job.

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2
Q

What is the key difference between equipotentiality and localization of function?

A

Localization of function argues that specific brain regions have dedicated functions, whereas equipotentiality believes any part of the brain can perform any function if needed.

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3
Q

Which area of the brain is primarily involved in decision-making and personality, as revealed by Phineas Gage’s case?

A

The ventromedial orbitofrontal cortex.

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4
Q

What are the three prefrontal regions of the brain?

A

Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, and medial frontal/cingulate cortex.

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5
Q

What neurotransmitter is involved in reward and motivation in the frontal lobes?

A

dopamine

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6
Q

What does the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex contribute to?

A

Cognitive functions such as logic, reasoning, problem-solving, planning, and behavioral responses to complex problems.

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7
Q

What are some symptoms of orbitofrontal cortex dysfunction?

A

Impulsivity, irritability, personality changes, mood disorders, and antisocial behaviors.

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8
Q

What is the function of the anterior cingulate cortex?

A

It is involved in motivation, drive, spontaneity, and creativity, guiding internal volition and behavior.

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9
Q

What is ideomotor apraxia?

A

The inability to use tools or mime actions on command, despite understanding the task.

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10
Q

What is perseveration in frontal lobe dysfunction?

A

Perseveration is the inability to stop a behavior once it has been initiated.

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11
Q

What are frontal release signs?

A

Primitive reflexes like grasping, snout, and sucking, which can emerge after frontal lobe damage.

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12
Q

What is apraxia?

A

A disorder where a person cannot execute purposeful, complex motor acts, even though they have the physical ability and comprehension.

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13
Q

What cognitive function is primarily assessed by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test?

A

Cognitive flexibility and the ability to shift between different cognitive sets.

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14
Q

Which executive function involves managing and adapting behaviors to reach a goal?

A

Planning, organizing, problem-solving, and mental flexibility.

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15
Q

What key lesson was learned from the case of Phineas Gage?

A

Frontal lobe damage affects personality and behavior.

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16
Q

What are the two main divisions of the frontal lobes?

A

Posterior (motor and premotor areas) and anterior (prefrontal areas).

17
Q

What is the role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex?

A

It subserves executive function, including problem-solving, logic, reasoning, and cognitive flexibility.

18
Q

What functions are associated with the orbitofrontal cortex?

A

Personality, empathy, social appropriateness, emotional continence, and environmental independence.

19
Q

What is the main function of the anterior cingulate cortex?

A

Motivation, drive, and spontaneity.

20
Q

What neurotransmitter plays an inhibitory role in the basal ganglia?

21
Q

What neurotransmitter is excitatory in corticostriatal and thalamocortical pathways?

22
Q

What neurotransmitter is important for motor function?

A

Acetylcholine

23
Q

What neurotransmitter is linked to mood and well-being?

24
Q

What are symptoms of orbitofrontal syndrome?

A

Impulsivity, emotional lability, disinhibition, criminal behavior, and lack of social awareness.

25
Q

What are symptoms of anterior cingulate cortex dysfunction?

A

Apathy, lack of motivation, personality changes, and poor response inhibition.

26
Q

What is perseveration?

A

The inability to stop a behavior once it has started.

27
Q

What are some symptoms of frontal lobe motor dysfunction?

A

Poor motor sequencing, apraxia, dysarthria, and inhibition deficits.

28
Q

What does the Stroop Color-Word Test measure?

A

The ability to inhibit automatic responses and focus on task-relevant stimuli.

29
Q

What does the Trail Making Test assess?

A

Processing speed, attention, and cognitive flexibility.

30
Q

What does the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test measure?

A

Executive function, spatial organization, and memory.

31
Q

What does the Letter Fluency Test assess?

A

Verbal fluency, cognitive flexibility, and initiation ability.