Neural Circuits of Interoception. Issue 1 (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Berntson, Gary G.; Khalsa, Sahib S.
• Is Part Of: Trends in neurosciences. Volume 44:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 17
• Page End: 28
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: visceral afferent -- efferent -- autonomic -- homeostasis -- interoceptive awareness; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurophysiology -- Periodicals; Neurobiology -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.09.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0166-2236

Abstract

Abstract : The present paper considers recent progress in our understanding of the afferent/ascending neural pathways and neural circuits of interoception. Of particular note is the extensive role of rostral neural systems, including cortical systems, in the recognition of internal body states, and the reciprocal role of efferent/descending systems in the regulation of those states. Together these reciprocal interacting networks entail interoceptive circuits that play an important role in a broad range of functions beyond the homeostatic maintenance of physiological steady-states. These include the regulation of behavioral, cognitive, and affective processes across conscious and nonconscious levels of processing. We highlight recent advances and knowledge gaps that are important for accelerating progress in the study of interoception. Highlights: The nervous system receives ascending communication of interoceptive signals originating from the periphery via chemoreceptor, mechanoreceptor, and osmoreceptor pathways, several of which were discovered only recently. Visceral systems and associated interoceptive signals are regulated in part by descending central nervous system (CNS) control of the autonomic nervous system, yielding a reciprocal circuit that regulates bodily organs and a wide array of motor, cognitive, and affective processes. A gap in our understanding of how interoceptive signals are relayed through the CNS from the body centers on inputs to the nucleus tractus solitarius and higher relay pathways. The neural circuits of interoception are important for behavioral, cognitive, and emotional regulation across conscious and nonconscious levels of processing.