Interoceptive modulation of emotions

The metaphorical use of the heart to represent emotions has been documented since our earliest known writings, which reflects a historical recognition of the deep connection between bodily sensations and emotions. However, it remains an active topic of investigation to determine the degree to which bodily physiology modulates emotion states. Recent advances in the neuroscience of interoception-the process by which we sense, interpret, and integrate internal bodily signals and physiology-are uncovering neurobiological mechanisms by which visceral signals can influence emotions. Here we review interoceptive pathways that relay visceral signals to the brain and discuss how these signals influence emotion states as well as challenges and opportunities to better understand interoceptive modulation of emotions.