Psychology Chapter on Frontal Lobe Functions

The most anterior part of the frontal lobe, responsible for executive functions like planning, motivation, attention, and sequencing actions.

A part of the prefrontal cortex that plays a vital role in focusing, remembering instructions, and managing information.

A region in the brain that helps plan and execute movements. It is located in front of the prefrontal cortex.

The amygdala is a brain structure associated with processing emotions, especially fear. When a perceived threat is detected, the amygdala activates a fear response.

The Periaqueductal Gray (PAG) is a brain region involved in processing pain and fear. It triggers motor responses, like freezing or fleeing, in response to a perceived threat.

The region of the brain involved in processing emotional responses, particularly sadness and elation.

A specific area of the prefrontal cortex that plays a crucial role in regulating emotions, particularly mood.

Left VMPFC activation is often associated with feeling happy and laughter, while right VMPFC activation is linked to feeling depressed.

A type of chemical messenger in the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite.

A neurotransmitter released during pleasurable activities, leading to motivation to repeat those activities.

A state of decreased motivation and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities.

A hormone released into the bloodstream, often associated with stress and alertness.

A neurotransmitter found mostly in the brain, involved in alertness, attention, and mood.

A brain region involved in the release of dopamine and associated with reward and motivation.

A condition where individuals experience a lack of pleasure and enjoyment in activities they previously found satisfying.

Substances or behaviors that directly increase dopamine levels, often leading to compulsive use despite negative consequences.

A state of persistent sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep, appetite, and energy.

A region in the brainstem where serotonin-producing neurons are clustered.

Low levels of serotonin in the cerebrospinal fluid are linked to suicidal behavior.

A group of medications that block the effects of epinephrine, a neurotransmitter that triggers the 'fight or flight' response.

A type of sympatholytic drug that blocks receptors for epinephrine.

A common mental health condition characterized by low mood, guilt, and irritability.

A disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.

A condition characterized by sudden episodes of intense anxiety and fear.

A false belief that is firmly held despite evidence to the contrary.

A condition that can be caused by some medical conditions or substance use, marked by confusion, disorientation, and altered perception.

A group of chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons.

A brain pathway associated with reward and motivation.

A brain pathway associated with cognitive function, planning, and decision-making.

A type of drug that blocks dopamine receptors, reducing dopamine activity.

A class of drugs that can increase dopamine levels in the brain, sometimes leading to psychosis.

This pathway is involved in controlling motor function and movement. It is not directly related to schizophrenia.

A network of brain structures involved in processing emotions, motivations, and memory. It plays a crucial role in schizophrenia.

This pathway is associated with the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations. It involves the reward system of the brain.

This hypothesis proposes that an overactivity of dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway is the primary cause of positive symptoms of schizophrenia.