The cerebral insula is a structure located in the brain that is related to emotional and cognitive functions. In neuroscience it has been studied because of the value that the processing of sensory information has in sensorimotor integration and perception. It has also been associated with memory, decision making, attention, social integration and self-awareness.
Its study has allowed us to advance in the understanding of the complexity of the human brain and therefore, in this Psychology-Online article we explain in depth everything you need to know about the Brain insula: what it is, location, parts and functions.
What is the cerebral insula
In the field of psychology, the cerebral insula It is a brain structure which has been studied in relation to the emotional regulation and the ability to understand and empathy with other people’s emotions. The insula is involved in the perception of emotional stimuli, and in the generation of appropriate emotional responses. It has also been linked to pain perception and interoception, which is the ability to perceive internal bodily sensations.
On the other hand, the role of the cerebral insula has been investigated in decision making and risk taking. It has been found that activation of the insula may be related to emotionally based decision making, and that dysfunction of this structure may be related to anxiety disorders and addictions.
In the clinical setting, the insula has also been investigated in relation to psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. It has been found that activation of the insula may be related to anticipatory anxiety, and that dysfunction of this structure may be involved in depression and chronic anxiety.
Location of the cerebral insula
The cerebral insula is located deep in the lateral sulci of the cerebral cortex, and is located in the human brain between the temporal, parietal and frontal lobes. The insula is surrounded by and covered by the gray matter that forms the insular cortex.
The insula is divided into two parts, the anterior part and the posterior part, which are differentiated by their anatomy and functions. The anterior part is related to the perception and processing of emotions, while the posterior part is more related to the perception and processing of sensory information and sensorimotor integration.
Additionally, the insula is connected to other regions of the brain, such as the hippocampus and the cingulate, which allows it to interact with other brain structures in the regulation of complex cognitive and emotional processes.
Parts of the cerebral insula
There are two divisions in the cerebral insula that present variations in both their anatomy and functionality, the anterior and posterior sections. It is also important to mention the existence of a third subdivision, known as the Reil insula.
- Anterior part: The anterior part, also called the anterior insular cortex, is related to the processing and perceptions of social emotions such as guilt, shame or empathy. It has also been linked to introception, which is the ability to be aware of internal bodily sensations, pain perception, emotional regulation and decision making supported by emotionality.
- Posterior part: The posterior part, also called the posterior insular cortex, is related to sensorimotor integration, perception and processing of sensory information, as well as vision, smell, taste and hearing. It has also been linked to sensorimotor integration, which is responsible for coordination and motor control.
- Insula of Reil: this part is located on the medial surface of the insula and is related to the regulation of blood pressure, heart rate and the interaction between the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
Functions of the cerebral insula
The cerebral insula is a brain structure that performs a wide variety of functions in the human brain. The main functions of the cerebral insula in detail are:
- Sensory perception: The brain insula is involved in the perception of sensory information, including the perception of taste, vision, smell, and hearing. Additionally, the posterior insula is responsible for sensorimotor integration for motor control and coordination.
- Emotional regulation: the cerebral insula is involved in emotional regulation and the perception of emotions. The anterior insula, in particular, is related to and the processing of social emotions, such as empathy, shame, and guilt, as well as emotional regulation and emotion-based decision making.
- Social interaction: The brain insula is involved in social interaction, especially in the perception and processing of social emotions and in empathy towards others. It has also been linked to the perception and processing of non-verbal social cues, such as facial expression and body language.
- Decision making: The cerebral insula is involved in decision making, particularly in evaluating and comparing options and choosing the best option based on available sensory and emotional information.
- Autonomic regulation: Reil’s insula, located on the medial surface of the insula, is involved in the regulation of autonomic activity, such as heart rate, blood pressure and sweating, and in the interaction between the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
In conclusion, the cerebral insula performs a wide variety of essential functions. Its strategic location in the brain and its connections with other brain structures make it a key structure for the normal functioning of the human brain.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Couto, JB, Sedeño, L., and Ibáñez, A. (2012). Interoception and the insular cortex: multimodal convergence and the emergence of body awareness. Chilean journal of neuropsychology. https://doi.org/10.5839/rcnp.2012.0701.06