Social Sciences Division
Published October 28, 2014 | Version v1
Journal article Open

The Functional Connectivity Landscape of the Human Brain

Creators

  • 1. Baycrest Centre
  • 2. Rotman Research Institute
  • 3. University of Washington
  • 4. MIND Research Institute
  • 5. University of Michigan
  • 6. Chungnam University
  • 7. University of South Carolina
  • 8. University of Chicago

Description

Functional brain networks emerge and dissipate over a primarily static anatomical foundation. The dynamic basis of these networks is inter-regional communication involving local and distal regions. It is assumed that inter-regional distances play a pivotal role in modulating network dynamics. Using three different neuroimaging modalities, 6 datasets were evaluated to determine whether experimental manipulations asymmetrically affect functional relationships based on the distance between brain regions in human participants. Contrary to previous assumptions, here we show that short- and long-range connections are equally likely to strengthen or weaken in response to task demands. Additionally, connections between homotopic areas are the most stable and less likely to change compared to any other type of connection. Our results point to a functional connectivity landscape characterized by fluid transitions between local specialization and global integration. This ability to mediate functional properties irrespective of spatial distance may engender a diverse repertoire of cognitive processes when faced with a dynamic environment.

Data availability

The authors confirm that all data underlying the findings are fully available without restriction. All relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files.

Files

journal.pone.0111007.pdf

Files (56.0 MB)

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Article
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Supporting information
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Additional details

Identifiers

DOI
10.1371/journal.pone.0111007
Other
oai:uchicago.tind.io:10822

Funding

Tom and Kitty Stoner Foundation
National Institutes of Mental Health
MH 60655
National Institutes of Health
NIH-NINR-R01-NRO10939

UChicago Information

Division(s)
Social Sciences Division
Department(s)
Psychology