Executive function

Executive function (EF) is a heterogeneous construct widely used to refer to a conspicuous number of higher-order cognitive processes devoted to the monitoring and control of thoughts and actions. EF is generally regarded as being particularly important in novel or unfamiliar situations in which thoughtful and cautious behavior, instead of automatic and impulsive response, is required (Diamond 2013). The functioning of executive processes is thought to rely on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in both humans and non-human animals, regardless of the anatomical variations existing across different species (Robbins 2000).