Interoception

Interoception is the sense of the internal state of the body. This can be both conscious and non-conscious. It encompasses the brain's process of integrating signals relayed from the body into specific subregions—like the brainstem, thalamus, insula, somatosensory, and anterior cingulate cortex—allowing for a nuanced representation of the physiological state of the body. This is important for maintaining homeostatic conditions in the body and potentially facilitating self-awareness.

Definition and Overview

Interoception is often associated with autonomic nervous system activity related to the physiological condition of the body. It is the process by which the nervous system senses, interprets, and integrates signals originating from within the body, providing a moment-by-moment mapping of the body's internal landscape across conscious and unconscious levels.

Neuroanatomy of Interoception

The primary neuroanatomy of interoception includes the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), insula, amygdala, and somatosensory cortex. The ACC is involved in heart rate and blood pressure modulation and is also implicated in the subjective experience of emotion. The insula also plays a role in conveying information about the body's homeostatic state to other brain regions, contributing to the subjective emotional experience.

Role in Emotion and Self-Awareness

Interoception is thought to play an important role in emotion and self-awareness. According to some theories, the brain's perception of the body's internal state forms the basis of subjective feelings and emotion. This is known as the James-Lange theory of emotion.

Clinical Significance

Impaired or atypical interoception is seen in a number of clinical conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, autism, and alexithymia. Understanding the role of interoception in these conditions could lead to new treatments and interventions.

See Also

• Proprioception
• Exteroception
• Autonomic nervous system
• James-Lange theory of emotion

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