Cerebral insula: what it is, location, parts and functions

The cerebral insula is a structure located in the brain that is related to emotional and cognitive functions. In neuroscience it has been studied for the value of sensory information processing in sensorimotor integration and perception. It has also been associated with memory, decision making, attention, social integration and self-awareness.

Its study has made it possible to advance in the understanding of the complexity of the human brain and for this reason, this article in Psychology-Online explains in depth everything you need to know about the Cerebral insula: what it is, location, parts and functions.

Index

1. What is the cerebral insula
2. Location of the cerebral insula
3. parts of the cerebral insula
4. Functions of the cerebral insula

In the field of psychology, the cerebral insula is a brain structure which has been studied in connection with the emotional regulation and comprehension skills

On the other hand, the role of the cerebral insula in the decision making and risk taking. It has been found that activation of the insula may be related to decision-making based on emotions, 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 anxiety anticipatory, and that dysfunction of this structure may be involved in depression and depression. chronic anxiety.

The cerebral insula lies deep to 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 the cerebral cortex and is 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 by their functions. The anterior part is related to the perception and processing of emotions, while the posterior is more related to the perception and processing of sensory information and the integration sensorimotor.

Additionally, the insula is connected to other brain regions, such as the tonsil, the hippocampus and the cingulate, which allows it to interact with other brain structures in the regulation of complex cognitive and emotional processes.

There are two divisions in the cerebral insula that present variations both in their anatomy and in their functionality, the anterior and posterior sections. It is also important to mention the existence of a third subdivision, known as the Reil island.

• Previous part: The anterior part, also called the anterior insular cortex, is related to the processing and perception of social emotions such as guilt, shame, or empathy. It has also been linked to introception, which is the ability to be aware of bodily sensations. internal perceptions, pain perception, emotional regulation, and decision-making supported by emotionality.
• Back: The posterior part, also called the posterior insular cortex, is related to the integration sensorimotor, perception and processing of sensory information, as well as vision, smell, taste and hearing. It has also been linked to sensorimotor integration that is responsible for coordination and motor control.
• Reil Island: This part is located on the medial surface of the insula and is related to pressure regulation. blood pressure, heart rate and in the interaction between the central nervous system and the nervous system autonomous.

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 cerebral insula is involved in the perception of sensory information, including the perception of taste, vision, smell, and hearing. In addition, the posterior insula is responsible for sensorimotor integration for motor control and coordination.
• Emotional regulation: the cerebral insula is involved in emotional regulation and in the perception of emotions. The anterior insula, in particular, is related to perception and the processing of social emotions, such as empathy, shame, and guilt, as well as with emotion regulation and emotion-based decision making.
• Social interaction: the cerebral 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 nonverbal social cues, such as facial expression and body language.
• Decision making: the cerebral insula is involved in decision making, particularly in evaluation and comparison of the options and in choosing the best option based on sensory and emotional information available.
• Autonomous regulation: The insula of Reil, which is located on the medial surface of the insula, is involved in the regulation of autonomic activity, such as the 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.

If you want to read more articles similar to Cerebral insula: what it is, location, parts and functions, we recommend that you enter our category of neuropsychology.

• Couto, J.B., 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