Default Mode Network (DMN)

The Default Mode Network (DMN) is a network of brain regions that are active when an individual is in a resting-state or not involved in any specific task. It encompasses a set of interconnected brain regions that exhibit consistent patterns of activity during states of wakeful rest and mind wandering.

The DMN is known to be involved in a variety of cognitive processes, including self-reflection, introspection, autobiographical memory, and social cognition. It plays a critical role in constructing an individual’s sense of self and the ability to engage in internally-focused thought processes.

The network consists of several key regions, including the medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and the inferior parietal lobes. These regions work together to form a cohesive network that facilitates communication and information integration between different brain regions.

Disruptions or abnormalities in the DMN have been observed in various psychiatric and neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and schizophrenia. Understanding the functioning of the DMN has therefore become a crucial area of research in neuroscience and mental health.