The brainweb: phase synchronization and large-scale integration

Nat Rev Neurosci. 2001 Apr;2(4):229-39. doi: 10.1038/35067550.

Abstract

The emergence of a unified cognitive moment relies on the coordination of scattered mosaics of functionally specialized brain regions. Here we review the mechanisms of large-scale integration that counterbalance the distributed anatomical and functional organization of brain activity to enable the emergence of coherent behaviour and cognition. Although the mechanisms involved in large-scale integration are still largely unknown, we argue that the most plausible candidate is the formation of dynamic links mediated by synchrony over multiple frequency bands.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Attention / physiology
  • Brain / anatomy & histology
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Learning / physiology
  • Nerve Net / anatomy & histology
  • Nerve Net / physiology*