W20-L6: Prefrontal Cortex and Executive Function Flashcards
What are some of the functions of the frontal lobe?
- Motor control
- Language
- Higher level cognition
How can you subdivide the cortex?
- Cytoarchitecture
- Thalamic connections
- Functional properties
Executive function
Inter-related processes responsible for goal directed, purposeful behaviour
What is the function of the Dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex?
Traditional executive functions: Working memory, planning and organising, moral judgement
What supplies the Dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex?
Largely supplied by MCA
What is the function of the medial pre frontal cortex?
Emotional-motivational interface
What do lesions to the medial medial pre frontal cortex result in?
At most extreme: akinetic mutism, otherwise apathy, indifference
What supplies the medial pre-frontal cortex?
Anterior cerebral artery
What is the function of the Orbitofrontal pre-frontal cortex?
Inhibition of emotional, cognitive and social processes and controlling impulsivity. Highly connected to limbic areas
What supplies the orbito pre-frontal cortex?
ACA and MCA
What is special about the maturation and degeneration of the frontal lobe?
Frontal lobe is the last area of the brain to develop, and one of the first to develop. Therefore lesions here to young pts. means they lose the ability to develop functions of the frontal lobe
What is the difference between executive dysfunction and frontal lobe dysfunction?
frontal implies lesion in frontal lobe, executive dysfunction can be due to lesions elsewhere such as thalamus
What are some symptoms of executive dysfunction?
Positive symptoms: Distractability, social disinhibition, emotional instability
Negative symptoms:
Lack of concern, restricted emotion, deficient empathy
What are some neuropsychological tests for executive function?
Tower of London, Stroop test, Rey Complex figure test
What are common causes of executive dysfunction?
Closed head injury, stroke, psychiatric conditions, dementias, focal lesions, inflammatory or developmental
