The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×
No Access

Anatomy and function of the orbital frontal cortex, II: Function and relevance to obsessive-compulsive disorder

Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/jnp.8.3.249

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.

Access content

To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.