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Updated: Sep 24, 2025

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Analyzing the Size, Shape, and Directionality of Networks of Coupled Astrocytes
Published on: October 4, 2018
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Large-scale distributed networks and cerebral hemispheres
Elkhonon Goldberg1, Jaan Tulviste2
1Luria Neuroscience Institute, New York, NY, USA; New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
Summary
The Central Executive (CEN) and Default Mode (DMN) networks show neuroanatomical asymmetry. CEN is larger in the right hemisphere, while DMN is larger in the left, suggesting functional specialization differences.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Brain Imaging
Background:
- The Central Executive (CEN) and Default Mode (DMN) are key large-scale brain networks.
- Their relationship with hemispheric specialization remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroanatomical asymmetry of CEN and DMN.
- To explore the implications of this asymmetry for functional specialization and hemispheric specialization.
Main Methods:
- Volumetric analysis of brain regions comprising CEN and DMN.
- Comparison of component volumes between the left and right hemispheres.
Main Results:
- CEN components were found to be volumetrically larger in the right hemisphere.
- DMN components were found to be volumetrically larger in the left hemisphere.
Conclusions:
- Evidence suggests neuroanatomical asymmetry in CEN and DMN.
- This asymmetry supports the hypothesis of functional asymmetry within these large-scale networks.
- Findings contribute to a refined understanding of hemispheric specialization.
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