How do you feel--now? The anterior insula and human awareness.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review and theoretical framework without new empirical human data.
PubMed 19096369 · doi:10.1038/nrn2555
What was done
Narrative review and theoretical framework evaluating the functional role of the anterior insular cortex (AIC) and von Economo neurons in processing interoceptive signals, subjective feeling states, and conscious awareness.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data or effect sizes. It synthesizes evidence implicating the AIC across diverse physiological and emotional states (including visceral sensations, craving, maternal love, decision-making, and insight), arguing that AIC re-representation of interoception serves as a substrate for subjective feeling and awareness.
Why it matters
It establishes a widely cited theoretical model linking visceral interoceptive processing to subjective human awareness, positioning the anterior insula as a key candidate neural correlate of consciousness.
Limits
As a narrative review, it presents a theoretical model rather than a systematic review or meta-analysis. No original empirical data, quantitative findings, or study inclusion criteria are reported in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Bud Craig and Antonio Damasio proposed theoretical frameworks identifying the insula as a primary neural substrate for the conscious experience of feelings, emotions, and pain.