Piecing together the orbitofrontal puzzle

Abstract

For almost a century, researchers have puzzled over how the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) contributes to behavior. Our understanding of the functions of this area has evolved as each new finding and piece of information is added to complete the larger picture. Despite this, the full picture of OFC function is incomplete. Here we begin by reviewing recent (and not so recent) theories of how OFC contributes to behavior. We then go onto highlight emerging work that has helped to broaden perspectives on the role that OFC plays in contingent learning, interoception, and social behavior. How OFC contributes to these aspects of behavior is not well understood. Here we argue that only by establishing where and how these and other functions fit within the puzzle of OFC, either alone or as part of larger brain-wide circuits, will we be able to fully realize the functions of this area. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Figure 1.. The orbitofrontal puzzle.

Whereas some edge pieces of the orbitofrontal puzzle are firmly in place; others remain to be placed correctly. Others are still undiscovered and thus are missing from the final picture.

Figure 2.. Temporal and frontal lobe face patches in the macaque brain.

Schematic lateral view of the macaque brain showing the location of frontal face patches PA, PL, and PO in red (dark grey), and temporal face patches PL, ML, MF, AL, AF, and AM in orange (light gray). Inset figure shows a coronal section the macaque brain depicting the frontal face patches PL and PO in red. PO is located within the orbitofrontal cortex.