L15_Executive_Function_Annonated

Lecture Information

• Lecture Title: Executive Function

• Course: PSC 101 - Bio Psych

• Date: March 4th, 2025

• Review Session: March 5th, 5:10 PM, TLC room 1215

Learning Objectives

• 15.1: Explain what executive function (EF) is and how its cognitive domains allow interaction with environments.

• 15.2: Identify brain areas in the frontal cortex and their functions, including unique neural mechanisms that facilitate EF.

• 15.3: Describe the flow of information from perception to action, identifying the role of the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) and where neural representations are most concrete/abstract.

• 15.4: Predict experiences of a person with PFC damage.

Introduction to Executive Function (EF)

• Utilization of Information: Brain utilizes information from sensory systems and memory.

• Engagement Activity:

  • Reflect for one minute on how the brain utilizes this information.

  • Pair discussion.

• Definition of EF: Collection of cognitive processes for information processing and response decision-making.

Components of Executive Function

• Cognitive Domains Relevant to EF:

  • Working Memory (WM):

    • Ability to hold and modify information over short periods.

    • Distinct from short-term memory.

    • Metaphorically described as a "sketch pad" or "RAM".

  • Cognitive Flexibility:

    • Ability to change perspective or plan based on information retained in WM.

  • Inhibitory Control:

    • Ability to control thoughts, feelings, attention, behaviors; focusing on what to do instead of what to avoid.

Working Memory (WM)

• Definition: The capacity to hold and make adjustments to information temporarily.

• Active Use: Does not need active perception; can retrieve and manipulate prior information.

• Example:

  • Recall the last four digits of your phone number and reverse them.

Cognitive Flexibility

• Role: Adapting perspective or developing a new plan based on changing circumstances.

• Example Task: Trial Making Task, demonstrating cognitive sequencing and flexibility.

Inhibitory Control

• Definition: Governs the ability to manage impulses and focus attention effectively.

• Example Task: Stroop Task illustrates how attention can be focused to control responses to conflicting information.

Integration of EF in Behavior

• Functionality:

  • All three EF domains work collectively:

    • Process and represent information.

    • Decide on a response.

    • Develop plans for response enactment.

The Frontal Cortex: Anatomy and Functions

• Overview of the Frontal Lobe:

  • Situated at the front of the brain, separates from the parietal lobe at the central sulcus.

  • Key for executive functions, motor planning, and control.

• Subdivisions:

  • Primary Motor Cortex (M1): Responsible for direct control of motor functions.

  • Premotor Cortex: Plans motor movements but does not execute them directly; integrates information from the PFC and basal ganglia.

  • Prefrontal Cortex (PFC): Highest level cognitive processing and regulation of executive functions.

PFC Functions and Characteristics

• Critical Role: Regulates cognitive processes fundamental to personality, motivation, creativity, and attention.

• Neuroanatomy:

  • Largest in proportion compared to other species, underlying advanced cognitive functions.

• Information Flow: PFC collects and processes information from various brain regions and sends directives to execute plans.

Neural Representation in EF

• Abstract vs Concrete Representations:

  • Most concrete in sensory and motor areas (e.g., M1 corresponds directly to actions).

  • Abstract in PFC, allowing for sustained mental representation and processing independent of immediate stimuli.

Damage to the PFC

• Expected Outcomes:

  • Emotional dysregulation, impaired high-level cognitive processes like planning and impulse control.

• Example Case: Phineas Gage experienced personality changes post-injury, showcasing EF's role in personality and behavior.

Lobotomies and Their Impacts

• Overview: Historical surgical procedure aimed at treating psychiatric disorders by severing connections in the PFC.

• Outcomes: Reduction of outward psychiatric symptoms often resulted in decreased overall cognitive function and personality.

Executive Function Summary

• Conclusion: Executive Function represents a collection of cognitive processes essential for planning and interaction with the environment. Damage to the PFC deeply influences cognitive capabilities.

Learning Objectives Detailed Explanation

15.1: Explain what executive function (EF) is and how its cognitive domains allow interaction with environments.

• Executive Function (EF) refers to a collection of cognitive processes that manage how we process information and make decisions. Concisely, EF governs complex behaviors such as planning, organization, strategic thinking, and controlling attention. These processes allow individuals to interact effectively with their environments by enabling them to modify their behavior, think ahead, and solve problems.

15.2: Identify brain areas in the frontal cortex and their functions, including unique neural mechanisms that facilitate EF.

• The frontal cortex, particularly the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC), is crucial for EF. Key regions include:

  • Primary Motor Cortex (M1): Controls voluntary motor functions.

  • Premotor Cortex: Involved in planning movements and integrating sensory information, aiding EF by preparing for action.

  • Prefrontal Cortex (PFC): This area is responsible for high-level cognitive functions, regulating attention, impulse control, and planning, showcasing unique neural mechanisms that facilitate EF.

15.3: Describe the flow of information from perception to action, identifying the role of the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) and where neural representations are most concrete/abstract.

• The flow of information begins with perception, where sensory data is gathered. The PFC plays a critical role by integrating this information to form decisions or responses. Concrete representations are found in sensory areas, whereas the PFC manages more abstract representations, allowing for complex reasoning and the ability to anticipate future outcomes or scenarios.

15.4: Predict experiences of a person with PFC damage.

• Damage to the PFC can lead to severe behavioral and cognitive deficits. Individuals may experience emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and a diminished ability to plan or organize tasks. For example, the case of Phineas Gage illustrates how PFC damage can result in significant personality changes and impaired reasoning, indicating the essential role of EF in personality and social behavior.