WEEK 9: Executive Function

Question 1

what is the first conceptualisation of executive functions?

Answer 1

− The ability to over-ride automatic behaviour in order to deal with novel situations
− The ability to switch flexibly between tasks
− The ability to carry out a task while holding in mind other goals

Question 2

what is the second conceptualisation of executive functions?

Answer 2

volition, planning and purpose action

Question 3

what is the third conceptualisation of executivive functions?

Answer 3

− executive functions required when
o planning and decision making needed
o error correction or troubleshooting required
o non-automatic or novel responses to be made
o dangerous or technically complicated responses needed
o need to overcome habit or temptation

Question 4

what is the final conceptualisation of executive functions?

Answer 4

− we have hot executive functioning and cold executive functioning
o HOT = when we need to utilise EF in situations where there is an emotional component or affective information
o COLD = when we are utilising our EF skills in situations without context or emotion or affective information
− How we use these skills in emotional situations and how we use them in rational situations

Question 5

what is the lateral view of the brain?

Answer 5

from the side

Question 6

what is the midsigittal view of the brain?

Answer 6

from the side cut in half

Question 7

what is the basal view of the brain?

Answer 7

from the bottom

Question 8

what are the important regions of the frontal love

Answer 8

− Primary motor cortex
− Non-primary motor cortex
− Prefrontal cortex

Question 9

what is the non-primary motor cortex?

Answer 9

premotor cortex and supplementary motor area

Question 10

what is the most common way that the prefrontal cortex can be divided??

Answer 10

one common subdivision of the prefrontal cortex into three ‘regions’:
o dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
o orbitofrontal cortex
o mediofrontal cortex (not on diagram)

Question 11

where is the orbitofrontal cortex

Answer 11

relating to the eyes (infront of eyes) (AKA ventromedial)

Question 12

where is the mediofrontal cortex

Answer 12

• infront of corpus callosum the dorso and orbit

Question 13

what is the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) involved in?

Answer 13

The DLPFC and its circuitry is involved in higher order cognitive operations.

Question 14

how is the DLPFC often labelled?

Answer 14

the executive circuit. it’s important to recognise that executive functioning is also implicated in the mediation of emotional, motivational, and social behaviour.

Question 15

what some deficits follow damage to the DLPFC?

Answer 15

o Working memory
o Planning, task-setting, and problem-solving
o Sequencing
o Selective (concentration on one thing when there are many interfering stimuli) and sustained attention (concentration over a long period of time)
o Perseveration – “getting stuck”
o Inhibition
o Cognitive flexibility

Question 16

what are some neuropsychological measures sensitive to DLPFC damage?

Answer 16

− F-A-S test (individuals may repeat items or get stuck)
− Digit span backwards, backwards 7’s, N-Back (working memory)
− Tower of Hanoi / Tower of London (task-setting/planning, sequencing, problem-solving)
− Stroop (inhibition)
− Wisconsin card sort (cognitive flexibility)

Question 17

what is the orbito frontal cortex (OFC)?

Answer 17

− In basic terms, the orbitofrontal cortex and its circuitry is involved in the mediation of emotional and social responses. It is responsible for executive processing of emotional stimuli. (HOT)

Question 18

what deficits follow damage to the OFC?

Answer 18

o Emotional lability (rapid exaggerated change in emotion)
o Diminished social insight
o Socially inappropriate behavior, esp. conversational skills
o Difficulties with changing reinforcements
o Lack of sensitivity to future outcomes, both positive and negative
o Lack of empathy

Question 19

what are some neuropsychological measures sensitive to the OFC damage?

Answer 19

− Family/caregiver reports of social behaviour, empathy, aggression
− F-A-S test (individuals may give socially inappropriate answers)
− Sentence completion task (inhibition)
− The captain went down with the sinking ______.
− Bechara’s Gambling task

Question 20

what is the mediofrontal cortex (MFC)

Answer 20

− This prefrontal region is believed to support a number of overlapping functions, including:
o Response monitoring (control and monitoring of action)
o Error detection
o Deciding between competing responses
o Motivation or drive behaviour

Question 21

what deficits follow damage to the mediofrontal cortex>

Answer 21

o	Apathy
o	Akinesia
o	Difficulties with emotion: flat affect
o	Difficulties with decision-making
o	Diminished verbal output

Question 22

what are neuropsychological measures sensitive to the mediofrontal damage?

Answer 22

− Family/caregiver reports (apathy)
− Questionnaires, scales measuring motivation
− Reaction time (individuals with damage to this region may be slower on speeded tasks)