In this perspective, we describe how developmental improvements in youth executive function (EF) are supported by hierarchically organized maturational changes in functional brain systems. We first highlight evidence that functional brain systems are embedded within a hierarchical sensorimotor-association axis of cortical organization. We then review data showing that functional system developmental profiles vary along this axis: systems near the associative end become more functionally segregated, while those in the middle become more integrative. Developmental changes that strengthen the hierarchical organization of the cortex may support EF by facilitating top-down information flow and balancing within- and between-system communication. We propose a central role for attention and frontoparietal control systems in the maturation of healthy EF and suggest that reduced functional system differentiation across the sensorimotor-association axis contributes to transdiagnostic EF deficits.

从这个角度来看，我们描述了大脑功能系统的分层组织的成熟变化如何支持青少年执行功能（EF）的发育改善。我们首先强调证据表明功能性大脑系统嵌入到皮质组织的分层感觉运动关联轴中。然后，我们回顾数据，显示功能系统的发展概况沿着这个轴变化：靠近关联端的系统在功能上变得更加隔离，而位于中间的系统变得更加集成。强化皮质层次组织的发育变化可能通过促进自上而下的信息流和平衡系统内和系统间的通信来支持 EF。我们提出注意力和额顶控制系统在健康 EF 成熟中的核心作用，并认为感觉运动关联轴上功能系统分化的减少导致了跨诊断 EF 缺陷。