Anterior insular cortex and emotional awareness. Issue 15 (23rd August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gu, Xiaosi; Hof, Patrick R.; Friston, Karl J.; Fan, Jin
• Is Part Of: Journal of comparative neurology. Volume 521:Issue 15(2013:Oct. 15)
• Page Start: 3371
• Page End: 3388
• Publication Date: 2013-08-23
• Subjects: Comparative neurobiology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1002/cne.23368
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9967

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <p>This paper reviews the foundation for a role of the human anterior insular cortex (AIC) in emotional awareness, defined as the conscious experience of emotions. We first introduce the neuroanatomical features of AIC and existing findings on emotional awareness. Using empathy, the awareness and understanding of other people's emotional states, as a test case, we then present evidence to demonstrate: 1) AIC and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) are commonly coactivated as revealed by a meta‐analysis, 2) AIC is functionally dissociable from ACC, 3) AIC integrates stimulus‐driven and top‐down information, and 4) AIC is necessary for emotional awareness. We propose a model in which AIC serves two major functions: integrating bottom‐up interoceptive signals with top‐down predictions to generate a current awareness state and providing descending predictions to visceral systems that provide a point of reference for autonomic reflexes. We argue that AIC is critical and necessary for emotional awareness. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:3371‐3388, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</p> </abstract>