The fronto-parietal network (FPN) is a crucial brain network involved in various high-level cognitive functions. It encompasses regions in the frontal and parietal lobes and is particularly important for tasks requiring attention, working memory, and executive function. Here are some key aspects of the fronto-parietal network:

Components Frontal Regions:

Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC): Involved in executive functions, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and maintaining attention. Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex (VMPFC): Associated with social cognition, emotional regulation, and reward processing. Parietal Regions:

Superior Parietal Lobule (SPL): Plays a role in spatial awareness, attention, and integration of sensory information. Inferior Parietal Lobule (IPL): Involved in numerical cognition, language processing, and visuospatial skills. Functions Attention: The FPN helps in directing and maintaining attention on relevant stimuli while filtering out distractions. It supports both selective attention (focusing on specific tasks) and sustained attention (maintaining focus over time).

Working Memory: The network is crucial for holding and manipulating information in mind temporarily. It enables individuals to perform complex cognitive tasks that require the integration of new and existing knowledge.

Executive Function: The FPN is central to higher-order cognitive processes, such as planning, reasoning, and cognitive flexibility. It helps in organizing thoughts and actions to achieve specific goals.

Task Switching: The network supports the ability to shift between different tasks or mental sets, allowing for efficient management of multiple cognitive demands.

Integration of Information: The FPN facilitates the integration of information from various sources, helping to create a coherent understanding of the environment and guiding appropriate responses.

Connectivity The fronto-parietal network is highly interconnected with other brain networks, such as the default mode network (DMN) and the salience network. This connectivity allows for the coordination of cognitive processes across different brain regions. Clinical Significance Dysfunctions in the FPN have been associated with various neurological and psychiatric disorders, including: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Schizophrenia Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Alzheimer’s Disease Understanding the fronto-parietal network is essential for unraveling the neural basis of complex cognitive functions and for developing interventions in conditions where these functions are impaired.