Dorsal attention network

Dorsal Attention Network

The Dorsal Attention Network (DAN) is a neural network in the human brain primarily involved in the allocation of attention and the control of eye movements. It is one of several distinct attention networks, including the salience and default mode networks, that facilitate various aspects of attentional processing. The DAN is particularly important for top-down attentional control, where the focus is directed according to goals or tasks, rather than bottom-up control, which is driven by external stimuli.

Anatomy

The dorsal attention network is characterized by a series of interconnected brain regions. Key components include the frontal eye fields (FEF) and the intraparietal sulcus (IPS). These areas are located in the dorsal part of the frontal and parietal lobes, respectively. The network is bilateral, with major nodes present in both hemispheres of the brain.

Function

The primary function of the dorsal attention network is the voluntary control of attention, particularly spatial attention and the guidance of eye movements. It plays a crucial role in the ability to focus on specific locations in the visual field and to shift attention between different locations without moving the eyes. The DAN is activated when a person is engaged in tasks that require attention to be directed according to task-related goals, such as searching for a specific object in a cluttered environment.

The network is also involved in filtering out irrelevant information, thereby facilitating focused attention on what is deemed important based on current objectives. This selective attention mechanism is critical for efficient cognitive functioning, allowing for the prioritization of sensory input that is most relevant to the task at hand.

Clinical Significance

Dysfunction in the dorsal attention network has been implicated in various neurological and psychiatric conditions. For example, abnormalities in the DAN have been associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), where there is a difficulty in sustaining attention and controlling impulses. Additionally, lesions in areas of the brain that are part of the DAN, such as the frontal eye fields, can lead to deficits in spatial attention and eye movement control, such as in cases of hemispatial neglect.

Research and Imaging

Research into the dorsal attention network often involves neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). These methods allow scientists to observe the activation patterns of the DAN during various attention-demanding tasks. Studies have shown that when individuals engage in tasks that require the allocation of attention to specific locations or objects, there is increased activity in the frontal eye fields and intraparietal sulcus, among other regions of the network.

See Also

• Cognitive neuroscience
• Visual system
• Executive functions