Mechanisms of motivational effects on attention. (A–C) Potential, abstract relationships between attention and motivation and their effects on behavior. (D) Modes of communication between cognitive and motivation networks illustrated for attentional-motivational interactions. (1) Interactions rely on “hub” regions, such as the anterior cingulate cortex, which are part of both attentional and motivational networks (indicated via the red outline in both the valuation-cortical and attentional networks). (2) In addition, specific regions may link the two networks, either directly or via the thalamus. (3) Finally, motivational signals are embedded within cognitive mechanisms via the action of diffuse neuromodulatory systems.