Executive functions: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:42, 15 February 2025

Executive Functions[edit]

Executive functions are a set of cognitive processes that are necessary for the cognitive control of behavior. These functions include basic cognitive processes such as attentional control, cognitive inhibition, inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Higher-order executive functions require the simultaneous use of multiple basic executive functions and include planning and fluid intelligence (i.e., reasoning and problem-solving).

Components of Executive Functions[edit]

Executive functions are often divided into several components:

Inhibitory Control[edit]

Inhibitory control is the ability to suppress irrelevant or unwanted thoughts or actions. It is crucial for self-control and is often tested using tasks that require individuals to inhibit automatic responses.

Working Memory[edit]

Working memory refers to the ability to hold and manipulate information over short periods. It is essential for reasoning, learning, and comprehension.

Cognitive Flexibility[edit]

Cognitive flexibility is the ability to switch between thinking about two different concepts, and to think about multiple concepts simultaneously. It is a key component of problem-solving and adapting to new situations.

Planning[edit]

Planning involves the ability to think about the future, anticipate outcomes, and develop strategies to achieve goals. It requires the integration of multiple executive functions.

Neural Basis of Executive Functions[edit]

The prefrontal cortex is the brain region most closely associated with executive functions. It is involved in the orchestration of thoughts and actions in accordance with internal goals. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for the higher-order processes that underlie executive functions, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and social behavior.

Development of Executive Functions[edit]

Executive functions develop throughout childhood and adolescence, with significant improvements occurring during these periods. The development of executive functions is linked to the maturation of the prefrontal cortex and other related brain regions.

Disorders Affecting Executive Functions[edit]

Several neurological and psychiatric disorders can affect executive functions, including:

These disorders can lead to difficulties in planning, organizing, and regulating behavior.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Executive functions''' are a set of cognitive processes that are necessary for the cognitive control of behavior. These processes include attentional control, cognitive inhibition, inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Executive functions also include reasoning, problem solving, and planning.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Executive Functions}}
-== Overview ==
+== Executive Functions ==
-Executive functions are crucial for successful adaptation and performance in real-life situations. They allow people to initiate and complete tasks and to persevere in the face of challenges. While people with executive functioning issues are not necessarily less intelligent, they might struggle with things like planning, organization, getting started (task initiation), and task completion.
+[[File:Prefrontal_cortex.png|thumb|right|The prefrontal cortex is crucial for executive functions.]]
+'''Executive functions''' are a set of cognitive processes that are necessary for the cognitive control of behavior. These functions include basic cognitive processes such as attentional control, cognitive inhibition, inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Higher-order executive functions require the simultaneous use of multiple basic executive functions and include planning and fluid intelligence (i.e., reasoning and problem-solving).
 == Components of Executive Functions ==
-Executive functions can be divided into two groups:
-=== Attentional Control ===
+Executive functions are often divided into several components:
-[[Attentional control]] refers to an individual's capacity to choose what they pay attention to and what they ignore. It is also known as selective attention.
-=== Cognitive Inhibition ===
+=== Inhibitory Control ===
-[[Cognitive inhibition]] is the mind's ability to tune out stimuli that are irrelevant to the task/process at hand or to the mind's current state.
-=== Inhibitory Control ===
+Inhibitory control is the ability to suppress irrelevant or unwanted thoughts or actions. It is crucial for self-control and is often tested using tasks that require individuals to inhibit automatic responses.
-[[Inhibitory control]], cognitive inhibition and interference control is an important part of executive functions. It is a cognitive process that permits an individual to inhibit their impulses and natural, habitual, or dominant behavioral responses to stimuli.
 === Working Memory ===
-[[Working memory]] is a cognitive system with a limited capacity that can hold information temporarily. Working memory is important for reasoning and the guidance of decision-making and behavior.
+[[Working memory]] refers to the ability to hold and manipulate information over short periods. It is essential for reasoning, learning, and comprehension.
 === Cognitive Flexibility ===
-[[Cognitive flexibility]] is the mental ability to switch between thinking about two different concepts, and to think about multiple concepts simultaneously.
-== Importance of Executive Functions ==
+Cognitive flexibility is the ability to switch between thinking about two different concepts, and to think about multiple concepts simultaneously. It is a key component of problem-solving and adapting to new situations.
-Executive functions are essential for higher-order thinking, which involves the ability to think abstractly and to plan, start, and complete tasks. They are also crucial for successful adaptation and performance in real-life situations.
+=== Planning ===
+Planning involves the ability to think about the future, anticipate outcomes, and develop strategies to achieve goals. It requires the integration of multiple executive functions.
+== Neural Basis of Executive Functions ==
+The [[prefrontal cortex]] is the brain region most closely associated with executive functions. It is involved in the orchestration of thoughts and actions in accordance with internal goals. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for the higher-order processes that underlie executive functions, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and social behavior.
+== Development of Executive Functions ==
+Executive functions develop throughout childhood and adolescence, with significant improvements occurring during these periods. The development of executive functions is linked to the maturation of the prefrontal cortex and other related brain regions.
+== Disorders Affecting Executive Functions ==
+Several neurological and psychiatric disorders can affect executive functions, including:
+* [[Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)]]
+* [[Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)]]
+* [[Schizophrenia]]
+* [[Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)]]
+These disorders can lead to difficulties in planning, organizing, and regulating behavior.
-== See Also ==
+== Related Pages ==
-* [[Cognitive psychology]]
-* [[Neuropsychology]]
-* [[Cognitive neuroscience]]
-== References ==
+* [[Cognitive Psychology]]
-<references />
+* [[Neuroscience]]
+* [[Attention]]
+* [[Memory]]
-[[Category:Psychology]]
+[[Category:Cognitive Psychology]]
 [[Category:Neuroscience]]
-[[Category:Cognitive science]]
-{{stub}}