Insular cortex

Insular Cortex

The Insular Cortex, also known as the insula or insular lobe, is a part of the cerebral cortex folded deep within the lateral sulcus (the fissure separating the temporal lobe from the parietal and frontal lobes) within the brain.

Etymology

The term "insula" comes from the Latin word for "island", and was named by Johann Christian Reil. The insular cortex is considered an island of cortex located within the depths of the Sylvian fissure, surrounded by the opercula (Latin for "lids") of the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes.

Anatomy

The insular cortex is divided into two parts: the larger anterior insula and the smaller posterior insula in which more than a dozen field areas have been identified. The cortical area overlying the insula towards the lateral surface of the brain is the operculum (meaning lid). The opercula are formed from parts of the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes.

Function

The insular cortex is believed to process convergent information to produce an emotionally relevant context for sensory experience. To be specific, it is involved in the perception, motor control, self-awareness, cognitive functioning, and interpersonal experience. In relation to these, it is involved in psychopathology.

Clinical significance

Damage to the insula can result in stroke, brain tumor, encephalitis, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, autism, and anxiety disorders.

See also

• Cerebral cortex
• Frontal lobe
• Parietal lobe
• Temporal lobe
• Operculum (brain)

References

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