The unity and diversity of functional brain connectivity underlying executive function tasks

The neurobiological systems supporting executive function (EF) are in place in late childhood and engaged consistently across different EF tasks. However, EF behaviors mature at different rates and relate to different psychopathologies. Examining the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying EF can contextualize both the consistent and diverse aspects of EF development to improve EF-based interventions and educational programs. Here, we used a within-subject design to compare patterns of functional connectivity during three different EF tasks (working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibition) and rest in a group of youths ( n =62, M age = 12.19, age range = 8.77-17.20, 30 F). We measured whole-brain integration and segregation, within and between network connectivity, and identified brain regions known as ‘hubs’, which help integrate information across networks. We found that integration and segregation during the cognitive flexibility task were significantly different from the inhibition and working memory tasks. Older youth showed more network segregation during the cognitive flexibility and inhibition tasks. Attention and cognitive control networks and hub regions both showed patterns of consistency and diversity across tasks. This work demonstrates that while EFs elicit consistent activation, aspects of functional connectivity vary across EF tasks and may underlie the diversity seen across EF domains. • Three fMRI executive function tasks collected from each youth spanning ages 8-18. • Whole brain functional connectivity was similar during working memory and inhibition. • Attention and cognitive control networks showed diverse connectivity across tasks. • There are both consistent and unique functional hubs supporting executive function.