Neural Circuits of Interoception

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Physiology

Background:

• Interoception, the sense of the internal body's physiological state, is crucial for homeostasis.
• Understanding the neural pathways of interoception is fundamental to explaining its broad functional roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in the neural pathways and circuits of interoception.
• To highlight the roles of rostral and descending systems in interoception.
• To identify knowledge gaps for future research in interoception.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent progress in interoception research.
• Analysis of afferent/ascending and efferent/descending neural pathways.
• Synthesis of findings on the involvement of rostral and cortical systems.

Main Results:

• Rostral neural systems, including cortical areas, are key in recognizing internal body states.
• Efferent/descending systems reciprocally regulate these internal states.
• Interoceptive circuits influence homeostatic, behavioral, cognitive, and affective processes.

Conclusions:

• Interoception involves complex reciprocal interactions between ascending and descending neural systems.
• These networks extend beyond basic homeostasis to regulate higher-level functions.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and implications of interoception.