Large-scale brain networks in cognition: emerging methods and principles

An understanding of how the human brain produces cognition ultimately depends on knowledge of large-scale brain organization. Although it has long been assumed that cognitive functions are attributable to the isolated operations of single brain areas, we demonstrate that the weight of evidence has now shifted in support of the view that cognition results from the dynamic interactions of distributed brain areas operating in large-scale networks. We review current research on structural and functional brain organization, and argue that the emerging science of large-scale brain networks provides a coherent framework for understanding of cognition. Critically, this framework allows a principled exploration of how cognitive functions emerge from, and are constrained by, core structural and functional networks of the brain. An understanding of how the human brain produces cognition ultimately depends on knowledge of large-scale brain organization. Although it has long been assumed that cognitive functions are attributable to the isolated operations of single brain areas, we demonstrate that the weight of evidence has now shifted in support of the view that cognition results from the dynamic interactions of distributed brain areas operating in large-scale networks. We review current research on structural and functional brain organization, and argue that the emerging science of large-scale brain networks provides a coherent framework for understanding of cognition. Critically, this framework allows a principled exploration of how cognitive functions emerge from, and are constrained by, core structural and functional networks of the brain. measure of metabolic activity in the brain based on the difference between oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin levels arising from changes in local blood flow. brain network responsible for high-level cognitive functions, notably the control of attention and working memory. large-scale network of brain areas that form an integrated system for self-related cognitive activity, including autobiographical, self-monitoring and social functions. class of noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging techniques that trace fiber bundles (white matter tracts) in the human brain in vivo based on properties of water molecule diffusion in the local tissue microstructure. statistical analysis technique based on bilinear dynamic models for making inferences about the effects of experimental manipulations on inter-regional interactions in latent neuronal signals. statistical inter-relation of variables representing temporal changes in different network nodes. statistical method that, when applied to the brain, measures the degree of predictability of temporal changes in one brain area that can be attributed to those in another area. computational technique that separates a multivariate signal into additive components based on the assumption that the components arise from statistically independent non-Gaussian sources. large-scale network of interdependent brain areas observed at rest. term referring to neural systems that are distributed across the entire extent of the brain. electric potential generated in a volume of neural tissue by a local population of neurons. LFPs result from the flow of current in the extracellular space generated by electromotive forces operating across the cell membranes of neurons, principally at synapses. noninvasive neuroimaging method that measures BOLD signals in the brain in vivo. physical system that can be represented by a graph consisting of nodes and edges. component of networks that links nodes. component of networks linked by edges. tendency for two time series to exhibit temporal locking, or a constant relative phase relation, usually in a narrow frequency range.