The central executive network (CEN) is a important intelligence network that is involved in a variety of cognitive functions, including attention, working memory, planning, and decision-making. It is also involved in the inhibition of irrelevant information and the organization of multiple tasks.
The CEN is composed of several brain regions, counting the
dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC),
and the later parietal cortex. The DLPFC is responsible for planning and
decision-making, the ACC is complicated in conflict monitoring and error
detection, and the posterior parietal cortex is involved in attention and
visuospatial processing.
The CEN is thought to work by coordinating the activity of
other brain networks, such as the default style network (DMN) and the salience
network. The DMN is involved in self-referential processing and daydreaming,
while the salience network is involved in detecting and responding to novel or
salient stimuli.
The CEN is essential for many cognitive functions, and
damage to the CEN can lead to a variety of cognitive deficits, such as
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dementia, and schizophrenia.
Here are some of the specific functions of the CEN:
Attention: The CEN is involved in the selection and
maintenance of attention. It helps us to focus on relevant information and
ignore distractions.
Working memory: The CEN is involved in the temporary storage
and manipulation of information. This allows us to keep track of information
that we need to use in the near future.
Planning: The CEN is involved in the planning and execution
of goal-directed behavior. It helps us to formulate plans, set priorities, and
make decisions.
Problem-solving: The CEN is involved in problem-solving. It
helps us to identify problems, generate solutions, and evaluate the feasibility
of those solutions.
Inhibition: The CEN is involved in the inhibition of
irrelevant information. This allows us to focus on the task at hand and avoid
being sidetracked by distractions.
Cognitive flexibility: The CEN is involved in cognitive
flexibility. This allows us to switch between tasks and adapt to new
situations.
The CEN is a complex network that plays a vital role in many
cognitive functions. Damage to the CEN can have a significant impact on our
ability to think, learn, and remember.
What does the salience network do?
The salience network is a brain network that is involved in
detecting and responding to salient stimuli. Salient stimuli are those that are
important or attention-grabbing, such as a loud noise, a sudden movement, or a
threat.
The salience network is composed of several brain regions, counting the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), the insula, and the amygdala. The ACC is involved in monitoring the environment for important stimuli, the insula is involved in processing emotional information, and the amygdala is involved in responding to threats.
The salience network works by integrating information from
different sensory modalities, such as vision, earshot, and touch. It then uses
this information to determine which stimuli are most important and deserve our
attention. The salience network also helps us to switch our attention between
different tasks and to adapt to new situations.
The salience network is essential for our ability to
function effectively in the world. Damage to the salience network can lead to a
variety of problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia.
Here are some of the specific functions of the salience
network:
Detecting salient stimuli: The salience network is
constantly scanning the environment for important stimuli. This includes both
external stimuli, such as a loud noise, and internal stimuli, such as a feeling
of pain.
Responding to salient stimuli: Once the salience network has
detected a salient stimulus, it helps us to respond appropriately. This may
involve paying attention to the stimulus, taking action to avoid it, or
reacting emotionally.
Switching attention: The salience network helps us to switch
our attention between different tasks and stimuli. This is important for us to
be able to function effectively in a complex and ever-changing world.
Adapting to new situations: The salience network helps us to
adapt to new situations. This involves detecting new stimuli and responding to
them in a way that is appropriate for the situation.
The salience network is a complex and important brain
network that plays a vital role in our ability to function effectively in the
world. Damage to the salience network can have a significant impact on our
ability to pay attention, respond to stimuli, and adapt to new situations.
Where is the executive attention network in the brain?
The executive attention network (EAN) is a brain network that is involved in the control of attention, working memory, and cognitive
flexibility. It is thought to be composed of several brain regions, including:
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC): is involved in conflict
monitoring, error detection, and the inhibition of irrelevant information.
The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC): is complicated
in planning, decision-making, and working memory.
The insula: The insula is involved in processing emotional
information and self-awareness.
The inferior parietal cortex: The inferior parietal cortex
is involved in visuospatial attention and working memory.
The EAN is thought to work by coordinating the activity of
these different brain regions to allow us to focus our attention on relevant
information, ignore distractions, and switch between tasks.
The EAN is located in the frontal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for higher-order cognitive functions such as planning, decision-making, and problem-solving. The EAN is also connected to other brain networks, such as the salience network and the default mode network, which play a role in attention, emotion, and self-awareness.
Damage to the EAN can lead to a variety of cognitive
deficits, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
schizophrenia, and dementia.