Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
08:08
Using Wavelet Entropy to Demonstrate how Mindfulness Practice Increases Coordination between Irregular Cerebral and Cardiac Activities
Published on: May 10, 2017
Spontaneous brain activity relates to autonomic arousal
Jin Fan1, Pengfei Xu, Nicholas T Van Dam
1Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, New York 11367, USA. jin.fan@qc.cuny.edu
Summary
Autonomic arousal, measured by skin conductance, influences brain activity in resting-state networks (RSNs). This finding reveals a link between the autonomic nervous system and brain function during rest.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychophysiology
- Autonomic Nervous System Research
Background:
- Resting-state networks (RSNs) are crucial for brain function, but their origins and drivers remain debated.
- Current evidence often relies on circular logic and reverse inference, lacking objective measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate autonomic arousal as an objective index of psychophysiological states during rest.
- To explore the role of autonomic arousal in driving RSN activity and connectivity.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous recording of blood oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) signals via functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and skin conductance.
- Analysis of spontaneous BOLD signal fluctuations in key RSN nodes in human subjects at rest.
Main Results:
- Spontaneous BOLD signal fluctuations in RSNs significantly correlated with changes in nonspecific skin conductance response.
- Skin conductance response served as a sensitive psychophysiological index of autonomic arousal.
Conclusions:
- Autonomic arousal plays a significant role in modulating spontaneous brain activity and connectivity within RSNs.
- Findings support the autonomic nervous system's influence on brain function during the resting state.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Sympathetic Activation
The sympathetic division can influence tissues and organs by releasing norepinephrine at peripheral synapses and distributing epinephrine and norepinephrine through the bloodstream. In times of crisis or stress, sympathetic activation occurs, which is regulated by sympathetic centers in the hypothalamus. As a result, sympathetic activation prepares the body for physical exertion, rapid ATP production, and heightened alertness, allowing individuals to respond effectively to challenging or...
01:31Regulation of Heart Rates
The regulation of heart rate is a complex process controlled by the autonomic nervous system (ANS), hormonal influences, and intrinsic cardiac mechanisms. The ANS has two main components: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
The SNS increases heart rate through the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine, which act on beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. This action increases the rate of depolarization in the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart's...
The SNS increases heart rate through the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine, which act on beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. This action increases the rate of depolarization in the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart's...
01:22Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a critical component of the peripheral nervous system, primarily responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. It functions in tandem with the central nervous system (CNS) to seamlessly coordinate various physiological processes without the need for conscious control.
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. These divisions function antagonistically to maintain a dynamic...
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. These divisions function antagonistically to maintain a dynamic...
01:13Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation
The reticular formation is a complex network of gray and white matter located within the brainstem extending from the medulla to the midbrain.
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
01:20Physiology of Emotion
The physiology of emotions is a multifaceted process involving the autonomic nervous system, brain structures, hormones, and neurotransmitters. This intricate interplay dictates how emotions manifest in the body and influence behavior.
Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a critical role in emotional responses by regulating involuntary physiological functions. It consists of two main components: the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic system...
Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a critical role in emotional responses by regulating involuntary physiological functions. It consists of two main components: the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic system...
01:18Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an intricate network of nerves that controls functions such as the regulation of heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure regulation. When this system malfunctions, it can lead to various disorders that affect multiple bodily functions. One common feature of many autonomic disorders is the involvement of smooth blood vessels, which play a crucial role in regulating blood flow throughout the body.
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, is a...
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, is a...