Abstract
To reveal the ordering of sensory projections regions in insular cortex, we reviewed fMRI studies of human brains, supplemented by electrophysiological and neuroanatomical studies in other species. The resulting map shows a distribution of sensory inputs supporting our idea of the insula as a hub of the primary sensory regions of the cerebral cortex. The Olfactory region, in the antero‐inferior‐most insula, lies next to, and has strong interconnections with, the extra‐insular primary olfactory cortex. This insular Olfactory region has agranular cortex: the 4th (inner granular) cortical layer is absent. Posterior to, and interacting with this Olfactory region, is the primary Taste cortex, dysgranular cortex: the 4th layer is intermittent. Around the Taste region are sensory inputs from Visceral organs, such as the heart, digestive tract, and urinary bladder. The posteriormost insula has granulous cortex: a well‐developed continuous 4th layer. Superiorly within this granulous region are somatotopically organized Thermosensory and Mechanosensory projections. Behind and below these, in the posteriormost insula, are Vestibular and Visual inputs. Inferior to these are Auditory projections, adjoining the auditory regions of the temporal lobe. Within the insula, there are extensive interactions between the respective sensory regions, as well as between sensory projections and efferent neurons.
Published Version
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