Inhibitory Control Development: A Network Neuroscience Perspective.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Inhibitory control is a crucial executive function impacting daily life and development.
• Neuroscience research has explored the neural underpinnings of inhibitory control, leading to two main theories: modulatory and network accounts.
• Understanding inhibitory control development is vital for addressing neurodevelopmental disorders.

Approach:

• This systematic review examines the developmental trajectory of inhibitory control.
• It analyzes neurodevelopmental diseases associated with inhibitory dysfunctions.
• The review synthesizes evidence to evaluate competing theories of inhibitory control.

Key Points:

• The development of inhibitory control is not localized to a specific brain region, such as the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG).
• Evidence supports a network-based account, indicating that inhibitory control relies on broadly distributed neural networks.
• This challenges the traditional modulatory perspective that posits a dedicated region for inhibitory control.

Conclusions:

• The development of inhibitory control is best understood as a function of distributed neural networks rather than a single, specialized area.
• This network perspective has significant implications for understanding typical development and neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Future research should focus on the interplay within these distributed networks to further elucidate inhibitory control mechanisms.