Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Real-Time fMRI Brain Mapping in Animals
Published on: September 24, 2020
[Anesthetic mechanisms revealed by functional brain imaging]
1Department of Anesthesia, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507.
General anesthetics disrupt brain integration, causing loss of consciousness by suppressing specific areas like the parietal cortex and thalamus. This impacts the default mode network, crucial for consciousness.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Context:
- Advancements in functional brain imaging reveal anesthetic effects.
- General anesthetics impact specific brain regions and networks.
Purpose:
- To investigate how general anesthetics affect brain activity and connectivity.
- To understand the neural correlates of anesthetic-induced loss of consciousness.
Summary:
- General anesthetics suppress the parietal association cortex and thalamus, areas resembling the default mode network.
- Low-level sensory areas remain active, while functional connectivity, particularly in the default mode network, is reduced.
- Loss of consciousness correlates with suppressed cortico-cortical current propagation.
Impact:
- Suggests anesthetics induce unconsciousness by impairing cerebral cortex integration.
- Highlights the role of specific brain networks in maintaining consciousness.
More Related Videos
14:52Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers
Published on: January 13, 2018
08:16Optogenetic Activation of Afferent Pathways in Brain Slices and Modulation of Responses by Volatile Anesthetics
Published on: July 23, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Brain Imaging
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
Local Anesthetics: Mechanism of Action
Local anesthetics are amphiphilic molecules consisting of a hydrophobic aromatic part linked to a hydrophilic group by an ester or amide linkage. They are weak bases and are usually available as salts, which increases their solubility and stability. Once administered, LAs exist in the body either...
Local Anesthetics: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview