The Neurofunctional Model of Consciousness: The Physiological Interconnectivity of Brain Networks
The present chapter integrates neural networks’ connectivity into a model that explores consciousness and volitional behavior from a neurofunctional perspective. The model poses a theoretical evidenced-based framework that organizes the brain journey of neural information flow from the ascending ret...
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| Autor principal: | |
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| Formato: | Capítulo de libro |
| Lenguaje: | inglés |
| Publicado: |
IntechOpen
2020
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| Materias: | |
| Acceso en línea: | https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/73682 |
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| Sumario: | The present chapter integrates neural networks’ connectivity into a model that explores consciousness and volitional behavior from a neurofunctional perspective. The model poses a theoretical evidenced-based framework that organizes the brain journey of neural information flow from the ascending reticular activating system and non-specific thalamic nuclei, to cortical networks, such as the default mode network and the fronto-parietal network. These inter-connected brain networks can be divided within three hierarchical and inter-connected “functional neural loops”: (1) the “brainstem-thalamic neural loop” for arousal, (2) the “thalamo-cortical neural loop” for neural information distribution throughout the brain, and (3) the “cortico-cortical neural loop” for transforming neural information into the contents of consciousness that the individual can perceive and manipulate voluntarily. These three neural loops act as a global functional neural system, and its disruption due to brain damage can cause a person to experience catastrophic outcomes, such as a coma, a vegetative state, a minimal conscious state, or other cognitive and behavioral impairments. |
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| ISBN: | 978-1-83962-796-5 |
| DOI: | 10.5772/intechopen.94221 |