Organization of Areal Connectivity in the Monkey Frontoparietal Network

Abstract

Anatomical connectivity between cortical areas condition the set of observable functional activity in a neural network. The large-scale cortical monkey frontoparietal network (FPN) has been shown to facilitate complex cognitive functions. However, the organization of anatomical connectivity between areas in the FPN supporting such function is unknown. Here, a new connectivity matrix is proposed which shows the FPN utilizes a small-world architecture with an over-reliance on the M9 dynamical relay 3-node motif and degree distributions which can be characterized as single scale. The FPN uses its small-world architecture to achieve the kind of simultaneous integration and specialization of function which cognitive functions like attention and working memory require. Contrary to many real-world networks, the in and out single scale degree distributions illustrate the relatively homogeneous connectivity of each area in the FPN, suggesting an absence of hubs. Crucially, the M9 dynamical relay motif is the optimal arrangement for previously reported near-zero and non-zero phase synchrony to propagate through the network, serving as a candidate topological mechanism. These results signify the impact of the organization of anatomical connectivity in the FPN. They can serve as a benchmark to be used in the network-level treatment of neurological disorders where the types of cognition the FPN supports are impaired. Additionally, they can inform future neuromorphic circuit designs which aim to perform aspects of cognition.