Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Lateralization

Lateralization

Brain lateralization refers to the division of mental processes and functions between the two hemispheres of the brain, a phenomenon that optimizes neural efficiency and underpins complex abilities in humans. This specialization allows each hemisphere to perform tasks where it has a comparative advantage, facilitating more refined cognitive capabilities across different domains.

Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System

Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System

The limbic system, often called the "emotional brain," is a complex set of structures located deep within the brain. The intricate network of the limbic system supports a wide range of psychological functions, from emotional regulation to memory formation and sensory processing. This functional brain region encompasses specific parts of the diencephalon and the cerebrum, integrating the higher mental functions of the cerebral cortex with the primitive emotional responses of the deep brain...

The Influence of Affect on Cognition

The Influence of Affect on Cognition

Positive affect significantly influences cognitive processes, including evaluation, memory, creativity, and social judgments. Compared to negative affect, positive emotional states promote more favorable interpretations of stimuli, cognitive flexibility, and heuristic processing. These effects highlight emotions' powerful role in shaping how individuals perceive, remember, and interact with the world.Influence on Evaluation and AttributionWhen individuals experience positive affect, they are...

Cerebral Hemispheres

Cerebral Hemispheres

The human brain, a complex organ, is functionally divided into two cerebral hemispheres—left and right. These hemispheres are interconnected by a structure of paramount importance, the corpus callosum. This substantial bundle of neural fibers is not just a bridge between the hemispheres but a crucial element for the brain's comprehensive functioning. It enables efficient communication between the two hemispheres, allowing each side of the brain to control and receive sensory and motor...

Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex

Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex

The somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobes is crucial for interpreting sensory data such as touch, temperature, and proprioception. The somatosensory cortex, situated in the parietal lobes, plays a vital role in interpreting sensory information like touch, temperature, and proprioception—awareness of body position. This specialized brain region features an organized structure wherein neurons at the top primarily process sensations originating from the lower body. In contrast, those at the...

Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions

Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions

The diencephalon, etymologically translated as 'through brain,' plays an integral role as the conduit between the cerebrum and the vast extent of the nervous system. However, the olfactory system is an exception, as it interfaces directly with the cerebrum. The diencephalon, deeply ensconced beneath the cerebrum, primarily consists of three paired structures — the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithelamus. It also includes accessory structures such as the subthalamus, which houses the subthalamic...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Deep brain stimulation of the nucleus accumbens for severe self-injurious behaviour in children: long-term outcomes from a first-in-human pilot trial.

Molecular psychiatry·2026

Same author

Closed-loop stimulation modulates attention shifting in children.

Nature neuroscience·2026

Same author

Correction: Using endocrine profiles to explore subgroups among transdiagnostic neurodiverse children and adolescents.

Journal of neural transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996)·2026

Same author

Perceptions of Improved Wellbeing and Social Isolation Among Medical Students During Rural Clinical School (RCS) Placements: A Six-Year Analysis.

The Australian journal of rural health·2026

Same author

Regulation of autism-related self-injurious behavior by electrical stimulation of corticostriatal circuits in mice and humans.

Science advances·2026

Same author

A deep representation learning model to predict response to vagus nerve stimulation.

Nature communications·2026

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Central and Divided Visual Field Presentation of Emotional Images to Measure Hemispheric Differences in Motivated Attention

Central and Divided Visual Field Presentation of Emotional Images to Measure Hemispheric Differences in Motivated Attention

Published on: November 16, 2017

Lateralization of affective processing in the insula.

Emma G Duerden¹, Marie Arsalidou, Minha Lee

¹Diagnostic Imaging and Neurology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Canada. emma.duerden@sickkids.ca

|April 17, 2013

Summary

This study mapped emotional processing in the insula using meta-analysis. Findings reveal specific brain regions lateralize different aspects of emotion, aiding understanding of affective disorders.

More Related Videos

Measurement of Fronto-limbic Activity Using an Emotional Oddball Task in Children with Familial High Risk for Schizophrenia

Measurement of Fronto-limbic Activity Using an Emotional Oddball Task in Children with Familial High Risk for Schizophrenia

Published on: December 2, 2015

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Impairing Effect of Emotion on Cognition

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Impairing Effect of Emotion on Cognition

Published on: February 1, 2012

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 12, 2026

Central and Divided Visual Field Presentation of Emotional Images to Measure Hemispheric Differences in Motivated Attention

Central and Divided Visual Field Presentation of Emotional Images to Measure Hemispheric Differences in Motivated Attention

Published on: November 16, 2017

Measurement of Fronto-limbic Activity Using an Emotional Oddball Task in Children with Familial High Risk for Schizophrenia

Measurement of Fronto-limbic Activity Using an Emotional Oddball Task in Children with Familial High Risk for Schizophrenia

Published on: December 2, 2015

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Impairing Effect of Emotion on Cognition

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Impairing Effect of Emotion on Cognition

Published on: February 1, 2012

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cognitive Neuroscience
Affective Neuroscience

Background:

The insular cortex plays a crucial role in processing emotions.
Previous research suggests lateralization of affective processing in the insula.
The precise spatial distribution of these processes remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

To quantitatively meta-analyze functional neuroimaging data to determine the spatial laterality of emotional processing within the insular cortices.
To investigate the laterality of emotional processing based on stimulus valence (positive vs. negative).
To examine the laterality of emotion perception versus emotion experience.
To explore sex differences in the insular lateralization of emotional processing.

Main Methods:

Utilized quantitative meta-analytic methods on data from 143 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies.
Assessed the laterality of emotional processing, stimulus valence, perception vs. experience, and sex differences.
Analyzed brain activation patterns within the anterior, mid, and posterior insula.

Main Results:

Emotional stimuli activated bilateral anterior and mid-insula, and left posterior insula.
Positive stimuli preferentially activated left anterior/mid-insula; negative stimuli activated bilateral anterior/mid-insula.
Emotion perception and experience showed bilateral anterior insula activation, with left lateralization in mid/posterior insula.
Sex differences observed: males showed left anterior/mid-insula and right posterior insula activation; females showed bilateral anterior insula and left mid/posterior insula activation.

Conclusions:

Spatial distinctions in insular emotional processing are evident and lateralized.
These findings provide a detailed account of the insula's role in affect.
Understanding insular lateralization may help elucidate deficits in psychiatric and developmental disorders.