The Insula: An Underestimated Brain Area in Clinical Neuroscience, Psychiatry, and Neurology
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Published on: August 12, 2019
Ho Namkung1, Sun-Hong Kim2, Akira Sawa3
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Abstract:
Supported by recent human neuroimaging studies, the insula is re-emerging as an important brain area not only in the physiological understanding of the brain, but also in pathological contexts in clinical research. In this opinion article, we briefly introduce the anatomical and histological features of the human insula. We then summarize the physiological functions of the insula and underscore its pathological roles in psychiatric and neurological disorders that have long been underestimated. We finally propose possible strategies through which the role of the insula may be further understood for both basic and clinical neuroscience.
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