Role of interhemispherical connections in resting-state functional connectivity

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to identify the role of interhemispherical connections in resting-state functional connectivity. Studying brain function in resting-state gives insight into patterns in anatomical connectivity and is increasingly important both as a proxy measure for structural connectivity and as a biomarker for brain changes in disease. We used the Kuramoto Model of Time Delays and Coupled Oscillators to evaluate the effect of reducing the strength of interhemispheric connections on the functional network of the brain, both with and without preserving the Anterior Commissure. Our findings indicate a monotonic reduction in interhemispheric functional connectivity as the strength of structural connections diminish, an increase of intrahemispheric connectivity as the strength of structural connections diminish below 40% of their original value and a unmistakable preservation of functional connectivity after total interhemispheric section when the anterior commissure is preserved, albeit with important quantitative changes in the network. These results present one more step in the way towards complete understanding of human brain.