Which neural network is primarily responsible for basic attention functions like arousal and sustained attention?

The diffuse network is primarily responsible for basic attention functions such as arousal and sustained attention because it encompasses a broad range of neural pathways that play a crucial role in regulating alertness and maintaining focus over time. This network includes various subcortical structures, including the reticular activating system, which is essential for arousal and wakefulness, and it extends to cortical areas that modulate attentional processes.

In addition to its role in arousal, the diffuse network is involved in maintaining a state of readiness to respond to new stimuli, making it integral for sustained attention. It operates in a way that supports both the orientation and vigilance necessary for effective attention, distinguishing it from networks that are more specialized or lateralized.

Other networks mentioned may contribute to attention but are more focused on specific tasks or processed through lateralized mechanisms in one hemisphere of the brain. The right hemisphere attention network, for instance, is more associated with aspects of spatial attention and detecting stimuli, while left hemisphere networks may relate more closely to language processing and specific cognitive tasks rather than general attention functions. High-order attention networks are generally engaged in complex tasks requiring executive functioning, rather than the foundational processes of maintaining arousal and sustained attention. Thus, the diffuse network is central to the foundational elements