Early and late development of hub connectivity in the human brain

Human brain networks undergo pronounced changes during development. The emergence of highly connected hub regions that can support integrated brain function is central to this maturational process, with these areas undergoing a particularly protracted period of development that extends into adulthood. The location of cortical network hubs emerges early but connections to and from hubs continue to strengthen throughout childhood and adolescence. Patterns of functional coupling in cortical association hubs are immature and incomplete at birth, but gradually strengthen during development. Early establishment of hub connectivity may provide a stable substrate that is refined by changes in tissue organization and microstructure, resulting in the emergence of complex functional dynamics by adulthood.

Automated summary

Human brain networks undergo significant changes during development, with highly connected hub regions playing a central role in supporting integrated brain function. While the location of cortical network hubs emerges early in development, connections to and from these hubs continue to strengthen throughout childhood and adolescence, resulting in the gradual improvement of functional coupling patterns.