How important is the corpus callosum in resting-state networks?

Abstract

The human brain appears to have a reproducible set of intrinsic functional networks. Each network consists of several brain regions whose activity patterns are temporally correlated with one another when the individual is not doing any particular task. Most of these networks are bilaterally symmetric, therefore requiring some form of interhemispheric coordination. Evidence from individuals who have had a callosotomy and individuals born with callosal agenesis suggests that although the corpus callosum is heavily involved in the resting networks of healthy human brains, typical bilateral resting-state networks can also emerge in the absence of callosal connections. Understanding how and why this is possible will provide important insights into development and plasticity of brain function.