Frontoparietal network

Frontoparietal Network

The Frontoparietal Network (FPN) is a functional brain network that plays a crucial role in the control of attention and working memory. This network involves the coordinated activity of regions in the frontal and parietal lobes of the brain, particularly the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the posterior parietal cortex (PPC). The FPN is essential for the cognitive processes that enable goal-directed behavior, decision-making, and the manipulation of information in the mind's eye.

Structure and Function

The Frontoparietal Network consists of two main components: the frontal lobe areas, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and the parietal lobe areas, especially the posterior parietal cortex (PPC). These areas are interconnected by white matter tracts, facilitating rapid communication between them.

The FPN is involved in a wide range of executive functions, such as:

• Attentional control
• Working memory
• Decision making
• Problem-solving
• Cognitive flexibility

This network is particularly active during tasks that require the integration of information over time or the updating of working memory.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the function or structure of the Frontoparietal Network have been associated with several neurological and psychiatric conditions, including:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Schizophrenia
• Depression
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Understanding the role of the FPN in these conditions can help in the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.

Research and Methods

Research on the Frontoparietal Network often involves neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), to study the activity patterns and connectivity within this network. These studies have contributed significantly to our understanding of the neural basis of cognitive functions and their disruptions in various disorders.

See Also

• Executive Functions
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Brain Network