Large-scale functional brain networks for consciousness.

Consciousness involves two main components: awareness (the contents of experience) and wakefulness (the state of being awake). Recent advances in neuroimaging and network analysis have improved understanding of the large-scale functional brain networks that support these components. Brain imaging data suggest maps for psychological processes such as attention, language, self-reference, emotion, motivation, social behavior, and wakefulness, despite limitations. This review of these advancements offers new insights into the neural correlates of consciousness.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The generation and maintenance of consciousness are fundamental but difficult subjects in the fields of psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, and medicine. However, recent developments in neuro-imaging techniques coupled with network analysis have greatly advanced our understanding of consciousness. The present review focuses on large-scale functional brain networks based on neuro-imaging data to explain the awareness (contents) and wakefulness of consciousness. Despite limitations, neuroimaging data suggests brain maps for important psychological and cognitive processes such as attention, language, self-referential, emotion, motivation, social behavior, and wakefulness. We considered a review of these advancements would provide new insights into research on the neural correlates of consciousness.