Inhibition – Neurology

Different inhibitory processes occur in and between different parts of the brain1, though the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) and IFG appear to be common across processes. 2

Response inhibition has been associated with activated bilateral precuneus, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, insular cortex, lateral prefrontal cortex, left angular gyrus, parietal cortex, right MFG, right middle temporal gyrus, as well as the right lateralized front-striatal circuits including the presupplementary association area, right inferior prefrontal cortex, and the striatum.2 The basal-ganglia, subthalamic nucleus, and primary motor regions have also been implicated.1

Interference control has been associated with the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) and insular cortex. 2

The anterior and posterior cingulate cortices as well as the bilateral VLPFC and bilateral DLPFC were associated with task performance in adults.2

Some conditions with dysfunctional inhibitory control, such as ADHD have also been found to have smaller gray matter volume of the inferior frontal cortex (IFC),1 dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), caudate, and cerebellum.3

Norepinephrine and dopamine have been associated with inhibitory control and working memory processes.3,4

Sources:

  1. 1.
    Ivanov I, Schulz KP, London ED, Newcorn JH. Inhibitory Control Deficits in Childhood and Risk for Substance Use Disorders: A Review. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. January 2008:239-258. doi:10.1080/00952990802013334
  2. 2.
    Chung HJ, Weyandt LL, Swentosky A. The Physiology of Executive Functioning. In: Goldstein S, Naglieri JA, eds. Handbook of Executive Functioning. Springer; 2014:567.
  3. 3.
    Wild KV, Musser ED. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery in the Assessment of Executive Functioning …………………………. In: Goldstein S, Naglieri JA, eds. Handbook of Executive Functioning. Springer; 2014:567.
  4. 4.
    Otero TM, Barker LA. The Frontal Lobes and Executive Functioning. In: Goldstein S, Naglieri JA, eds. Handbook of Executive Functioning. Springer; 2014:567.