Resting-state brain and spinal cord networks in humans are functionally integrated.

ABSTRACT: In the absence of any task, both the brain and spinal cord exhibit spontaneous intrinsic activity organised in a set of functionally relevant neural networks. However, whether such resting-state networks (RSNs) are interconnected across the brain and spinal cord is unclear. Here, we used a unique scanning protocol to acquire functional images of both brain and cervical spinal cord (CSC) simultaneously and examined their spatiotemporal correspondence in humans. We show that the brain and spinal cord activities are strongly correlated during rest periods, and specific spinal cord regions are functionally linked to consistently reported brain sensorimotor RSNs. The functional organisation of these networks follows well-established anatomical principles, including the contralateral corresponde

SUBMITTER: Vahdat S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7363111 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature