http://nro.sagepub.com/content/19/1/76.abstract
Abstract
During periods of inactivity, global
metabolism does not decrease in the brain, and small but consistent
increases in activity
occur in a specific set of regions called the
“default network”. Although much is known about the topological and
connectional
properties of the default network, its functions
remain a matter of debate. Functional neuroimaging and
electrophysiological
studies have suggested two apparently contrasting
functions for this network: spontaneous cognition and monitoring the
environment.
Spontaneous cognition, however, is by default
situated in a given external context, an external milieu to which we
align ourselves
and which must be monitored. This review integrates
recent literature suggesting that the two proposed functions of the
default
network functions need not to be mutually
exclusive, and that spontaneous cognition and monitoring of the
environment represent
complementary instances of conscious experiences
occurring during idle moments of daily life.
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