Resting-state brain and spinal cord networks in humans are functionally integrated

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Human Physiology
• Systems Neuroscience

Background:

• The brain and spinal cord exhibit intrinsic activity organized into resting-state networks (RSNs).
• Interconnections between brain and spinal cord RSNs remain largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the functional connectivity between brain and cervical spinal cord (CSC) RSNs in humans.
• To determine if RSNs are unified across the central nervous system (CNS) at rest.

Main Methods:

• Simultaneous functional imaging of the brain and CSC using a unique scanning protocol.
• Analysis of spatiotemporal correspondence between brain and spinal cord activity during rest.

Main Results:

• Strong correlations observed between brain and spinal cord activity during rest.
• Specific CSC regions functionally linked to established brain sensorimotor RSNs.
• Functional organization adheres to anatomical principles (contralateral correspondence, sensory-motor segregation).

Conclusions:

• Reveals a unified functional organization of sensorimotor networks across the entire CNS at rest.
• Demonstrates functional integration between brain and spinal cord intrinsic activity.