Large-scale distributed networks and cerebral hemispheres

The two main large-scale distributed networks, Central Executive (CEN) and Default Mode (DMN) have been extensively studied, but their relationship to hemispheric specialization has not been comprehensively addressed. We present evidence that they are neuroanatomically asymmetric: the CEN components are volumetrically larger in the right hemisphere, and DMN components are volumetrically larger in the left hemisphere. Based on this, the possibility that CEN and DMN are also functionally asymmetric is introduced and implications of the putative functional asymmetry of large-scale distributed networks for refining our understanding of hemispheric specialization are examined. (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The two main large-scale distributed networks, Central Executive (CEN) and Default Mode (DMN), have been found to be neuroanatomically asymmetric, with CEN components being larger in volume in the right hemisphere and DMN components being larger in volume in the left hemisphere. This suggests the possibility of functional asymmetry in these networks and highlights the importance of further investigating hemispheric specialization.