The authors review neurophysiological, neurobehavioral, and
neuropsychological investigations of the orbital frontal cortex (OFC) in
human and non-human primates. The article critically examines the role of
the OFC in 1) recognition of reinforcers; 2) stimulus- reinforcer learning;
3) modulation of responses based on changes in reinforcement contingencies;
4) emotions, social behavior, and autonomic regulation; 5) mnemonic
functions; and 6) rule learning. Examining these functional areas with
reference to the OFC's anatomical and neurophysiological properties, the
authors suggest ways in which the OFC might contribute to
obsessive-compulsive disorder.Abstract Teaser