Default mode network

Default Mode Network Connectivity

Default-network-graph-maturation

Default mode network
File:Default mode network connectivity.jpg Brain regions associated with the default mode network
Details
System	Nervous system
Parts	Medial prefrontal cortex, Posterior cingulate cortex, Precuneus, Angular gyrus, Hippocampus
Identifiers
Acronym(s)	DMN
TA98
TH	{{#property:P1694}}
TE	{{#property:P1693}}
FMA	{{#property:P1402}}
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

The default mode network (DMN) is a network of interacting brain regions that is active when a person is not focused on the outside world and the brain is at wakeful rest. It is also known as the default network, default state network, or task-negative network. The DMN is most commonly associated with self-referential thought, daydreaming, and mind-wandering.

Components

The default mode network primarily includes the following brain regions:

• The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)
• The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)
• The precuneus
• The angular gyrus
• The hippocampus

Function

The DMN is thought to be involved in a variety of functions, including:

• Self-referential processing
• Autobiographical memory
• Future planning
• Theory of mind (the ability to attribute mental states to oneself and others)
• Daydreaming and mind-wandering

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in the default mode network have been implicated in several neurological and psychiatric conditions, including:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Depression

Research

Research on the DMN has utilized various neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), to study its activity and connectivity. Studies have shown that the DMN is deactivated during goal-oriented tasks and reactivated during rest periods.

Related Pages

• Brain
• Medial prefrontal cortex
• Posterior cingulate cortex
• Precuneus
• Angular gyrus
• Hippocampus
• Functional magnetic resonance imaging
• Positron emission tomography
• Alzheimer's disease
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Depression

See Also

• Resting state fMRI
• Neural network
• Cognitive neuroscience