Functional connectivity in the brain - is it an elusive concept?

Abstract: Even though functional brain connectivity is an influential concept in modern cognitive neuroscience, it is a very controversial notion. This is why further theoretical and methodological clarification are needed to help define precisely what is meant by functional connectivity and to help frame associated issues. In this review we present the neurophysiological concept of functional connectivity, which utilizes in a plausible manner the notion of neural assemblies, as well as local and large-scale levels of description. Here functional connectivity is the mechanism for the coordination of activity between different neural assemblies in order to achieve a complex cognitive task or perceptual process. Our theoretical and empirical findings offer new insights into possible implications of the concept of functional connectivity for cognitive neuroscience. Keywords: Local/Remote functional connectivity; brain synchronization; structural/operational synchrony; binding; neural assemblies; brain operations; EEG/MEG; quasi-stationary segments; metastability; operational modules; mental states.

Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. 2005, V. 28. No 8. P. 827-836.

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