On the relationship between the "default mode network" and the "social brain"

• Published in: Frontiers in human neuroscience Vol. 6; p. 189
• Main Authors: Mars, Rogier B, Neubert, Franz-Xaver, Noonan, Maryann P, Sallet, Jerome, Toni, Ivan, Rushworth, Matthew F S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Research Foundation 21.06.2012; Frontiers Media S.A
• Subjects: Cognition; Default Mode Network; fMRI; Functional magnetic resonance imaging; Medial frontal cortex; Mentalizing; Neural networks; Neuroscience; social cognition; Social interactions; Social organization; Structure-function relationships; Theory of Mind; fMRI; posterior cingulate; medial frontal cortex; social cognition; theory of mind; mentalizing; default mode network; TPJ
• ISSN: 1662-5161; 1662-5161
• DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2012.00189

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.