The frontoparietal region is a large-scale system within the brain that links sensory information with goal-directed behavior. This complex association area integrates the “what” and “where” of the world with the “how” and “when” of our actions. By connecting the frontal and parietal lobes, this region manages higher-level thinking and the coordination required for human cognition. It acts as a central hub for cognitive control, allowing us to focus attention, make decisions, and plan for the future.
Defining the Frontoparietal Region Anatomically
The frontoparietal region is not a single anatomical structure but a functional expanse bridging parts of the frontal and parietal lobes. The frontal component is primarily the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), located on the upper and outer surface of the front of the brain. This tissue is heavily connected to the posterior parietal cortex (PPC), which forms the parietal component and is situated behind the central sulcus, superior to the temporal lobe.
The location is significant because it connects areas dedicated to processing information with areas dedicated to action and planning. The posterior parietal cortex is involved in spatial processing and integrating sensory input. In contrast, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex focuses on planning, decision-making, and working memory. Extensive bilateral connections allow for the rapid exchange of information, translating perception into purposeful, goal-directed behavior.
Core Role in Executive Function and Attention
The frontoparietal region is central to the brain’s executive functions, which are the mental processes that manage and regulate other cognitive activities. These functions allow for goal-oriented behavior and include complex processes like planning, abstract reasoning, and problem-solving. The region is heavily engaged when a person needs to make a decision or switch between mental tasks, demonstrating its role in cognitive flexibility.
A primary function is the management of working memory, often described as the brain’s temporary “scratchpad” for holding and manipulating information. The frontal component (DLPFC) is involved in monitoring and tracking the status of information in memory, such as the order of events. In contrast, the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) is more involved in the manipulation and mental rearrangement of that information.
The region also manages attention, specifically selective and sustained attention—the ability to focus on relevant information while filtering out distractions. The frontoparietal system influences the allocation of cognitive resources, determining which sensory inputs or internal thoughts are prioritized. This control ensures that mental effort is efficiently directed toward achieving current goals, whether a simple conversation or a complex calculation.
The Frontoparietal Network and Global Brain Coordination
The frontoparietal region is the core component of a large-scale functional system known as the Frontoparietal Network (FPN), also called the Central Executive Network (CEN). This network functions as a dynamic “task manager,” coordinating activity across the brain to prioritize goals and adapt to changing circumstances. The FPN connects quickly and flexibly with many other brain areas, serving as a flexible hub for cognitive control.
The FPN is one of three major networks in the triple-network model, which also includes the Default Mode Network (DMN) and the Salience Network (SN). The DMN is active during internal, self-referential tasks like daydreaming or recalling memories. Conversely, the FPN is engaged during external, goal-directed tasks. These two networks often exhibit an inverse relationship, with FPN activation corresponding to DMN deactivation during focused tasks.
The Salience Network (SN), which includes areas like the anterior insula, acts as a switchboard mediating the switching between the FPN and DMN. When the SN detects a significant internal or external event, it signals the FPN to take over and focus attention on the new task, simultaneously suppressing the DMN. This dynamic interplay allows the brain to seamlessly transition between introspective thought and engagement with the outside world, supporting complex cognitive flexibility. The coordinated regulation between the FPN, DMN, and SN is fundamental to maintaining cognitive control and attention.
Impact of Damage and Dysfunction
When the frontoparietal region or its network connections are compromised, the consequences impact a person’s ability to function in daily life. Damage, often resulting from stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurodegenerative diseases, typically leads to executive dysfunction. Symptoms include difficulties with organization, trouble planning sequential tasks, and impaired judgment.
Another common outcome is a deficit in attention, making it hard to maintain focus, resist distractions, or switch attention between tasks. Damage to the frontal component can lead to poor impulse control, resulting in inappropriate social behavior or emotional regulation issues. If the posterior parietal component is affected, a person may experience spatial neglect, failing to acknowledge or respond to stimuli on the side of space opposite the injury. These impairments highlight the frontoparietal region’s pervasive influence over higher-order human capabilities.