executive functions

n. Complex forms of cognition and behavior, including but limited to (1) controlling cognition (metacognition), (2) programming behavior, (3) inhibiting immediate responses, (4) abstracting, (5) problem solving, (6) verbal regulation of behavior, (7) reorienting behavior according to the behavioral consequences, (8) subjecting behavior to learned social norms, (9) delaying reinforcement, (10) temporality of behavior, (10) personality integrity, (11) prospection of behavior, (12) morality, and (13) self-awareness. Executive functioning can be regarded as complex processing requiring the coordination of several subprocesses to achieve a particular goal (i.e., goal-directed activity). Intact frontal processes, although not synonymous with executive functioning, are integral to its function. Although attempts to correlate executive functioning with the activity of specific discrete frontal areas have been inconclusive, the emerging view is that executive function is mediated by dynamic and flexible networks basically depending on the prefrontal brain areas. Neuroimaging results have also implicated posterior, cortical, and subcortical regions in executive functioning.

-AA

► See also PREFRONTAL CORTEX