Neural Substrates of Early Executive Function Development

Fiske, Abigail; Holmboe, Karla · 2018 · Crossref

DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/vr4fz

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Summary

This review paper addresses the neural underpinnings of executive function (EF) development from infancy through childhood, aiming to resolve questions left unanswered by earlier literature, particularly Diamond’s (2002) seminal work. The authors investigate how advances in neuroimaging technologies have elucidated the structural, anatomical, and biochemical changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) that support EF. The paper focuses on three core EF components—working memory (WM), inhibitory control (IC), and set shifting—examining their specific neural substrates, the protracted maturation of the PFC, and the critical role of connectivity between frontal regions and other brain areas. The authors synthesize findings from recent studies utilizing electroencephalography (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). While EEG offers high temporal resolution and fMRI provides precise spatial localization, the review highlights fNIRS as a pivotal advancement for infant research due to its tolerance for movement and ability to measure cortical activity in naturalistic settings. The analysis covers developmental trajectories of EF components, comparing behavioral data with neural activation patterns across different age groups, from neonates to adolescents. Key findings indicate that EF development involves a shift from globalized to refined, localized neural activation. For working memory, the dorsolateral PFC (DL-PFC) is central, but recent evidence shows involvement of the parietal cortex and subcortical structures like the basal ganglia and thalamus, particularly in predicting future WM ability. Inhibitory control relies heavily on the right inferior frontal cortex and striatum, with young children showing broader, less efficient activation patterns compared to adults. The review also notes that while EF components are distinct in adults, they appear more unified in early childhood, recruiting common neural networks before specializing. Furthermore, connectivity between the PFC and regions such as the anterior cingulate cortex and parietal areas is identified as crucial for EF maturation. The significance of this review lies in its integration of modern neuroimaging data to provide a comprehensive model of EF development. It demonstrates that EF is not solely a PFC function but involves dynamic networks that refine over time. The findings support a developmental model where EF structure shifts from a unified, domain-general construct in childhood to a more diverse, specialized system in adolescence. This understanding clarifies the relationship between brain maturation and cognitive growth, offering insights into how neural connectivity and regional specialization underpin the emergence of complex cognitive control.

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• executive function