On the relationship between the “default mode network” and the “social brain”
Rogier B. Mars, Franz-Xaver Neubert, MaryAnn P. Noonan, Jérôme Sallet, Ivan Toni, Matthew F. S. Rushworth
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2012 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2012.00189 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Default mode network |
| Citations | 807 |
| Key findings | The default mode network is activated by social cognition tasks, overlapping with social brain networks, and a DMN exists in non-human primates. |
Abstract
The default mode network (DMN) of the brain consists of areas that are typically more active during rest than during active task performance. Recently however, this network has been shown to be activated by certain types of tasks. Social cognition, particularly higher-order tasks such as attributing mental states to others, has been suggested to activate a network of areas at least partly overlapping with the DMN. Here, we explore this claim, drawing on evidence from meta-analyses of functional MRI data and recent studies investigating the structural and functional connectivity of the social brain. In addition, we discuss recent evidence for the existence of a DMN in non-human primates. We conclude by discussing some of the implications of these observations.