Large-scale cortical functional networks are organized in structured cycles

Abstract

The brain seamlessly performs a diverse set of cognitive functions like attention, memory and sensory processing, yet it is unclear how it ensures that each of these is fulfilled within a reasonable period. One way in which this requirement can be met is if each of these cognitive functions occurs as part of a repeated cycle. Here we studied the temporal evolution of canonical, large-scale, cortical functional networks that are thought to underlie cognition. We showed that, although network dynamics are stochastic, the overall ordering of their activity forms a robust cyclical pattern. This cyclical structure groups states with similar function and spectral content at specific phases of the cycle and occurs at timescales of 300–1,000 ms. These results are reproduced in five large magnetoencephalography datasets. Moreover, we show that metrics that characterize the cycle strength and speed are heritable and relate to age, cognition and behavioral performance. These results show that the activations of a canonical set of large-scale cortical functional networks are organized in an inherently cyclical manner, ensuring periodic activation of essential cognitive functions. The human brain cycles through a repertoire of brain networks on a 1-second timescale during rest and tasks. This cycling appears to allow periodic engagement of essential cognitive functions, with the speed of cycling linked to genetics and age.