Abstract

There has been increasing interest in topological analysis of brain networks as complex systems, often on the basis of neuroimaging data which typically represent the large-scale organisation of nervous systems. We use graph theory to identify and investigate the so-called ‘rich-club’ phenomenon, characterised by the presence of a densely interconnected set of hub nodes, of the neuronal connectome of the nematode C. elegans. We discuss the globally integrative nature of the rich club and the trade-off between high wiring cost and behavioural value. Structural data on the human brain has already found evidence of such a rich-club, which we identify within functional networks extracted from rest state fMRI data. We go on to discuss an extension to a generalised family of centrality clubs and suggest a mechanism by which to quantify the effectiveness of antipsychotic medication at combatting schizophrenia.