Anatomy of the insula functional and clinical correlates

Much information has been acquired on the anatomy and function of the insula over the past two decades. The insula has a dynamic cytoarchitectonic arrangement throughout its length. The anterior insula is comprised of an agranular allocortical area which functionally is part of the paralimbic belt. Its cortical connections are predominantly with other allocortical areas. Sub cortical, limbic, and brain stem connections underscore the anterior insula s role in processing and integrating autonomic and visceral information. The posterior insula is comprised of a granular isocortical area which functionally is linked to somatomotor systems. Its cortical connections are predominantly with other neocortical areas. Insular cortical and sub cortical connections, especially with the thalamus and basal ganglia, underscore the posteriorinsula s role in somatosensory, vestibular, and motor integration. The dysgranular insula lying in between the anterior and posterior insula represents an anatomical and functional tr...