Consciousness, cognition and brain networks: New perspectives

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Consciousness and cognition are complex functions mediated by intricate neural networks.
• Anesthetic-surgical procedures can trigger immune and inflammatory responses.
• These responses may modulate neuronal plasticity and affect higher cognitive functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze literature on consciousness and cognition mechanisms through the lens of neural network theory.
• To explore how anesthetic-induced immune responses influence neuronal plasticity and cognitive functions.
• To understand the neural basis of consciousness, unconsciousness, and cognition via brain connectivity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of existing research on neural networks, consciousness, and cognition.
• Examination of the impact of anesthetic drugs on brain function, particularly cortical and thalamic integration.
• Discussion of functional and effective connectivity within large-scale brain networks.

Main Results:

• Anesthetic drugs can induce unconsciousness by disrupting thalamocortical integration.
• Immune and inflammatory responses to anesthesia can alter neuronal plasticity.
• The 'human connectome,' representing neural network interactions, is crucial for cognitive processes.

Conclusions:

• Neural network theory provides a framework for understanding consciousness and cognition.
• Anesthetic effects on brain connectivity and plasticity are key areas for further research.
• Functional and effective connectivity within large-scale brain networks underpin conscious and cognitive states.