PSYC32H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 16: Frontal Lobe, Phineas Gage, List Of Thalamic Nuclei
Document Summary
Most complex of behaviors, executive functions are intrinsic to the ability to respond in an adaptive manner to novel situations and are also the basis of many cognitive, emotional, and social skills. Conceptualized in 4 components a) volition; 2) planning and decision making; 3) purposive action; and 4) effective performance. All are necessary for appropriate, socially responsible, and effectively self-serving adult conduct. Frontal lobe is implicated in executive functions e. g. is phineas gage. Disturbance in executive functions may result from anoxic conditions that involve limbic structures/ sequelae of alcohol abuse/inhalation of organic abuse. Disturbances in executive function of korsakoff patients with lesions in thalamic nuclei and subcortical limbic components e. g. apathy and inertia. Connection b/w executive function and frontal lobes is strong. Major obstacle to examining executive function is the paradoxical need to structure a situation in which patients can show whether/ how well they can make structure for themselves.
