Role of the Orbitofrontal Cortex in Reinforcement Processing and Inhibitory Control: Evidence from functional magnetic resonance imaging Studies in Healthy Human Subjects

This chapter reviews the studies, suggesting that the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is involved in choosing responses and making decisions based on motivationally salient information. To do this effectively, the OFC must code current incentive value of external reinforcing cues and be able to respond rapidly to changes in contingencies and values. Motivationally salient information can be uncertain and unpredictable; therefore, the OFC must be able to process uncertainty and respond in anticipation of expected outcome, as well as be able to change response quickly in the face of unexpected negative outcomes. The social interactions and behaviors that are fundamental to everyday life depend on effectively and flexibly making decisions based on unpredictable and potentially changeable motivationally salient information, and therefore patients with OFC damage show impaired social behavior and decision making, although many cognitive components of complex behaviors may remain intact. The prefrontal cortex generally is considered to play a role in keeping relevant information in mind and in monitoring whether outcomes match expectations. The suggestion is that the OFC applies these functions of holding in mind and monitoring specifically to reinforcing and motivationally salient information.