ch. 8: executive function Flashcards
What happened to Phineas Gage after his frontal lobe injury?
He became disinhibited, irreverent, capricious, disrespectful of social conventions, and unable to hold a job.
What is the key difference between equipotentiality and localization of function?
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.
Which area of the brain is primarily involved in decision-making and personality, as revealed by Phineas Gage’s case?
The ventromedial orbitofrontal cortex.
What are the three prefrontal regions of the brain?
Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, and medial frontal/cingulate cortex.
What neurotransmitter is involved in reward and motivation in the frontal lobes?
dopamine
What does the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex contribute to?
Cognitive functions such as logic, reasoning, problem-solving, planning, and behavioral responses to complex problems.
What are some symptoms of orbitofrontal cortex dysfunction?
Impulsivity, irritability, personality changes, mood disorders, and antisocial behaviors.
What is the function of the anterior cingulate cortex?
It is involved in motivation, drive, spontaneity, and creativity, guiding internal volition and behavior.
What is ideomotor apraxia?
The inability to use tools or mime actions on command, despite understanding the task.
What is perseveration in frontal lobe dysfunction?
Perseveration is the inability to stop a behavior once it has been initiated.
What are frontal release signs?
Primitive reflexes like grasping, snout, and sucking, which can emerge after frontal lobe damage.
What is apraxia?
A disorder where a person cannot execute purposeful, complex motor acts, even though they have the physical ability and comprehension.
What cognitive function is primarily assessed by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test?
Cognitive flexibility and the ability to shift between different cognitive sets.
Which executive function involves managing and adapting behaviors to reach a goal?
Planning, organizing, problem-solving, and mental flexibility.
What key lesson was learned from the case of Phineas Gage?
Frontal lobe damage affects personality and behavior.
What are the two main divisions of the frontal lobes?
Posterior (motor and premotor areas) and anterior (prefrontal areas).
What is the role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex?
It subserves executive function, including problem-solving, logic, reasoning, and cognitive flexibility.
What functions are associated with the orbitofrontal cortex?
Personality, empathy, social appropriateness, emotional continence, and environmental independence.
What is the main function of the anterior cingulate cortex?
Motivation, drive, and spontaneity.
What neurotransmitter plays an inhibitory role in the basal ganglia?
GABA
What neurotransmitter is excitatory in corticostriatal and thalamocortical pathways?
Glutamate
What neurotransmitter is important for motor function?
Acetylcholine
What neurotransmitter is linked to mood and well-being?
Serotonin
What are symptoms of orbitofrontal syndrome?
Impulsivity, emotional lability, disinhibition, criminal behavior, and lack of social awareness.
What are symptoms of anterior cingulate cortex dysfunction?
Apathy, lack of motivation, personality changes, and poor response inhibition.
What is perseveration?
The inability to stop a behavior once it has started.
What are some symptoms of frontal lobe motor dysfunction?
Poor motor sequencing, apraxia, dysarthria, and inhibition deficits.
What does the Stroop Color-Word Test measure?
The ability to inhibit automatic responses and focus on task-relevant stimuli.
What does the Trail Making Test assess?
Processing speed, attention, and cognitive flexibility.
What does the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test measure?
Executive function, spatial organization, and memory.
What does the Letter Fluency Test assess?
Verbal fluency, cognitive flexibility, and initiation ability.