The descending pain modulatory system (DPMS) constitutes a network of widely distributed brain regions whose integrated function is essential for effective modulation of sensory input to the central nervous system and behavioural responses to pain. Infant descending pain modulation is immature. The aim of this infant study is to test whether the magnitude of noxious-evoked brain activity recorded using fMRI in response to a nociceptive input is related to functional connectivity strength of brain regions that form the DPMS.