The default mode network (DMN) refers to a specific network of brain regions that are highly interconnected and tend to be active when an individual is not focused externally on a particular task. It is a term often used in neuroscience and psychology to describe the network of brain regions that are active during periods of rest, mind-wandering, daydreaming, or when one's attention is not directed toward the external environment.
The DMN includes several key brain regions, including the posterior cingulate cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, and angular gyrus. It also involves connections between these regions and other areas of the brain, such as the hippocampus, parahippocampal cortex, and regions of the lateral and inferior parietal lobes.
Research suggests that the default mode network plays a vital role in various cognitive processes, such as self-referential thinking, introspection, autobiographical memory retrieval, social cognition, and mental simulations. It is believed to be involved in constructing a coherent sense of self and understanding the thoughts and emotions of oneself and others.
Disruptions in the default mode network have been linked to various neurological and psychiatric conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, depression, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders. Furthermore, the study of the default mode network has provided essential insights into understanding human consciousness, mind-wandering, and the brain's inherent activity patterns during rest states.
