Fronto-Executive Functions

doi:10.1017/9781911623137.038

5.15 - Fronto-Executive Functions

from 5 - Neural Circuits

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 November 2023

Angela C. Roberts and

Edited by

Peter B. Jones and

Mary-Ellen Lynall: Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
Peter B. Jones: Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
Stephen M. Stahl: Affiliation:
University of California, San Diego

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Summary

The frontal lobes of the brain have often been associated with rather vague conclusions about their functions in both the healthy and diseased brain. However, recent research that utilises neuropsychological assessment of patients as well as functional neuroimaging in humans, and experimental studies of other mammalian species, has begun to elucidate their roles in what has been termed ‘executive function’ or ‘cognitive control’. They have evolved in humans to occupy about a third of the entire cerebral cortex and are reciprocally connected to much of the rest of the brain. Their importance to psychiatry is that they have been implicated in virtually all forms of psychiatric disorder. The exact nature of their contribution to specific symptoms, however, is still to be determined.

Type: Chapter
Information: Cambridge Textbook of Neuroscience for Psychiatrists , pp. 253 - 262

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781911623137.038 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2023

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