Absorbent article with function-formed topsheet, and method for manufacturing

An absorbent article is disclosed. The article includes a topsheet formed of a section of formed nonwoven web material having an ordered arrangement of zones, each zone comprising one or more attenuated regions adjacent to one or more built-up regions, wherein the attenuated regions have a first average basis weight and the built-up regions have a second average basis weight, wherein the first average basis weight is less than the second average basis weight, the difference in basis weights corresponding to disposition of the filaments according to the ordered arrangement. The attenuated region(s) may include a plurality of discrete low bulk portions arranged in a pattern disposed along a longitudinal axis of the article, which facilitate z-direction movement of fluid through the topsheet and inhibit spreading of a fluid stain along the topsheet in the x and y directions.