Prefrontal Cortex

Question 1

What are the general functions of the prefrontal cortex?

Answer 1

Working memory

Long term memory

Executive function

Higher order decisions

Planning, monitoring, correcting

Meta-cognition (insight, perception)

Prospective memory

Social cognition (inhibition of inappropriate thoughts and behaviors)

Assessment of reality

Question 2

What part of the PFC is shown?

What does it generally do?

Answer 2

Dorsolateral PFC

Regulate thought and action

Question 3

What part of the PFC is shown?

What does it generally do?

Answer 3

Ventral PFC

Regulate emotion

Question 4

What does the anterior cingulate do?

Answer 4

Error correction

Cognition

Emotion

Question 5

What part of the PFC is shown?

What does it generally do?

Answer 5

Dorsal medial PFC

Theory of mind, reality testing

Question 6

What areas of the PFC are especially activated when a person is practicing mindfulness?

Answer 6

Dorsal medial PFC

Anterior cingulate

Question 7

• In general, the left hemisphere of the PFC manages what behaviors?
• In general, the right hemisphere of the PFC manages what behaviors?
• How would a person behave if they had a lesion to the left PFC?
• How would a person behave if they had a lesion to the right PFC?
• How would a person behave if they had a bilateral lesion to the PFC?

Answer 7

• Initiative
• Inhibiting impulsivity
• Depression
• Manic, psychopathy
• Apathetic

Question 8

What is the hallmark symptom of schizophrenia?

Answer 8

Flawed working memory –> damage to PFC