Partitioning away consciousness: an equal and cross-frequency connectivity analysis from the integration-segregation perspective

Abstract

Derived from previous observations on equal and cross-frequency coupling, we evaluated the proposal that equal and cross-frequency phase synchronization may characterize the integration-segregation perspective of cerebral sensory-motor processing. Using brain recordings obtained in normal conditions and in conditions of diminished sensory input (eyes closed wakefulness, sleep and coma, when there is presumably less functional segregation of sensory-motor processing in neural networks), we assessed potential differences in partitioning of the synchrony state space linked to cross-frequency synchronization. More partitions were found in conditions of decreased sensory input. In addition, there was a less complex synchrony state space in cross-frequency as compared with equal-frequency coupling, in terms of fewer connectivity configurations. These results support the idea that equal-frequency coupling favours integration from multiple brain regions occurring in a complex synchrony state space rich in possible connectivity configurations, whereas cross-frequency coupling contributes to segregation, or localized sensory-motor transformations taking place in specific brain areas. This evidence may contribute to new considerations about the much-discussed role of multi-frequency relations in neuronal activity, and how the structural and functional modular organization of the nervous system is able to generate the coordinated activity needed for consciousness and appropriate cognitive behaviors in complex environments.