Operational principles of neurocognitive networks
Steven L Bressler1, Emmanuelle Tognoli
1Center for Complex Systems & Brain Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, USA. bressler@fau.edu
Summary
Understanding how the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Computational Neuroscience
Background:
- Large-scale neural networks are fundamental to brain function and cognition.
- Understanding neurocognitive networks requires knowledge of their structural, functional, and dynamical aspects.
- The intricate interplay of these aspects underlies complex cognitive processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the proposition that neurocognitive networks share common operational principles.
- To investigate the role of neural context formation in cognitive functions.
- To advance cognitive theories and strategies for cognitive enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing knowledge on neurocognitive network structure, function, and dynamics.
- Analysis of anatomical connectivity patterns (synaptic connectivity).
- Examination of selective activation of cortical and subcortical areas.
- Consideration of real-time dynamics of interacting brain areas.
Main Results:
- Neurocognitive networks are characterized by structural connectivity, selective functional activation, and dynamic interactions.
- A proposed guiding principle is the formation of neural context via coordinated mutual constraint of cortical areas.
- Structural, functional, and dynamical features exhibit basic similarities across networks.
Conclusions:
- Common operational principles likely govern diverse neurocognitive networks.
- Neural context formation is a fundamental mechanism underlying cognitive functions.
- Further understanding of these principles will advance cognitive science and enhancement strategies.
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