Question

What are some of the higher order mental functions and what areas would be important to their functioning?

Answer 1

High order brain function:

Higher brain functions of brain are unique to humans and stand at the pinnacle of evolution. Higher order brain functions such as learning and memory which can be specially defined such that verbal communication, holding multiple tracks of complex information at same time, ability to think for the future are some of the examples. These ca be broadly categorized under the terms “cognition” and “behavior".

• Cognition refers to intellectual functions which include memory, speech and language. It also comprise the orientation, complex perception, attention which are necessary for judgment, planning, and decision-making.
• Behavior involves manifestation of these cognitive functions. Behavior is guided by personality.

These higher order mental functions can be processed both consciously and unconsciously. They are not designed under programmed 'wiring' of the brain and so modification can be done over time. Th construction of higher mental functions and knowledge are not gaining just from direct personal experience but the interaction in a social and cultural space also influence the development of higher brain functions.

• Higher order brain function is a complex process of interactions among the areas of cerebral cortex and also between cortex and other areas of brains. Cerebral cortex is the outermost layered structure of brain which processes information of higher brain functions.
• The Cerebrum plays vital role in thought process and control center of brain which performs the higher-level thought like emotions and decision making and located beneath the cerebral cortex.
• Limbic system composed of thalamus and hypothalamus located on the central underside of the cerebrum. It contains inner sections of the temporal lobes and the bottom of the frontal lobe. It is referred as 'emotional nervous system' because of its ability to combine higher mental functions and primitive emotion. It is responsible for emotional live and also for higher mental functions involving learning and formation of memory.
• Next comes the frontal lobe critical for executive functions which are some of the highest-order cognitive processes includes

1. Planning for future
2. Engaging for goal
3. Determining similarity and differences
4. Choose between good and bad and some more