Book chapter
Visceral and decision-making functions of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex
The Orbitofrontal Cortex
Oxford University Press
10/12/2006
DOI: 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198565741.003.0013
Abstract
This chapter reviews the role of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) in autonomic functions and decision-making, with an emphasis on data from humans with VMPFC lesions. The somatic marker hypothesis proposes that the sensory mapping of visceral responses is important for the execution of highly complex, goal-oriented behavior. In this view, visceral responses function to ‘mark’ potential choices as being advantageous or disadvantageous. The VMPFC is well connected with visceral processing areas, and possesses both viscerosensory input and visceromotor output. The development of the Iowa Gambling Task as an index of decision making is described. Patients with VMPFC lesions show deficits in both visceromotor functions and decision-making on the Iowa Gambling Task, consistent with the somatic marker hypothesis.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Visceral and decision-making functions of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex
- Creators
- Daniel TranelNasir NaqviAntoine Bechara
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Publication Details
- The Orbitofrontal Cortex
- DOI
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198565741.003.0013
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press; Oxford
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 10/12/2006
- Academic Unit
- Neurology; Psychological and Brain Sciences; Iowa Neuroscience Institute
- Record Identifier
- 9984002597102771
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