Quiz Form

Question Date: 11/02/2024

Question: In neuropsychological testing, a pathological lack of motivation not from a mood disorder results from a lesion to which circuit?

Options:

Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
Lateral orbitofrontal cortex
Anterior cingulate gyrus
Papez circuit

Correct Answer: Anterior cingulate gyrus

Explaination: The anterior cingulate gyrus is the anatomical substrate for motivation. Lesions to the anterior cingulate gyrus can result in a lack of motivation and initiation. This is common in frontotemporaldementia, Alzheimer disease, Huntington disease, and even depression. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex controls executive functions like organization and planning ability. The lateral orbitofrontal cortex controls impulsivity. The Papez circuit involves the hippocampus, mammillary bodies, anterior thalamic nuclei, and the cingulate gyrus. The left parasylvian cortex is involved in generation of speech