Global Connectivity of Prefrontal Cortex Predicts Cognitive Control and Intelligence

TLDR

Human intelligence depends on controlling thought and behavior, a function believed to be carried out by a frontoparietal brain network. The study aims to identify global connectivity as a mechanism by which frontoparietal network components coordinate control of other networks. Global connectivity is proposed to link frontoparietal components with other networks, enabling coordinated control. Activity in a lateral prefrontal cortex region predicts high‑control working memory performance and exhibits high global connectivity that correlates with fluid intelligence, suggesting this region acts as a global hub influencing control processes central to intelligence.

Abstract

Control of thought and behavior is fundamental to human intelligence. Evidence suggests a frontoparietal brain network implements such cognitive control across diverse contexts. We identify a mechanism--global connectivity--by which components of this network might coordinate control of other networks. A lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) region's activity was found to predict performance in a high control demand working memory task and also to exhibit high global connectivity. Critically, global connectivity in this LPFC region, involving connections both within and outside the frontoparietal network, showed a highly selective relationship with individual differences in fluid intelligence. These findings suggest LPFC is a global hub with a brainwide influence that facilitates the ability to implement control processes central to human intelligence.