Thalamocortical Network Dynamics: A Framework for Typical/Atypical Cortical Oscillations and Connectivity

Abstract

Recently there has been increased interest in understanding the brain’s functional connectivity within local and long-range networks. While structural and functional connectivity at the cortical level has received considerable attention, the structure and functional dynamics of thalamo-cortical interactions are as yet insufficiently integrated with our knowledge of large-scale connectivity and regional function. An important question, yet to be answered in detail, is how typical cognitive functions and their alterations in neuro-psychiatric pathologies are temporally generated across the entire brain space (thalamo-cortical, cortico-cortical, cortico-thalamic) based on intact or altered brain structure and function. We review MEG and related EEG research in the context of multimodal imaging findings, focusing on thalamo-cortical dynamics and their role in functional connectivity across cortico-cortical, and cortico-thalamic circuits, including oscillatory synchronization within and across the various frequency bands underlying cognition. We then further explore the cognitive consequences of various disruptions of thalamo-cortical and cortico-cortical dynamics, including slowing and selective loss of functional network dynamics in particular brain networks related to disabilities or pathologies. We present an overview of current findings and their conceptual implications for how brain imaging technologies can further contribute to a better understanding of the brain’s structural, functional and temporal connectivity dynamics and their relationship to typical and atypical cognition and consciousness.