The insula sits inside a deep fold called the lateral sulcus, which separates the frontal and temporal lobes. Because it’s buried, you can’t see it from the surface of the brain. This location helps the insula connect with many other brain areas, making it a hub for processing internal body signals and emotions.

Sources

Brain Facts

Society for Neuroscience · 2019

Read the full exploration

What else is in this exploration

4 perspectives4 visualizations4 insights12 media resources13 rabbit holes

evidence

Damage to the insular cortex can affect emotional awareness, taste, and body sensation.

evidence

The insular cortex is the part of the insula made of gray matter responsible for processing senso...

perspective

In some cultures, the idea of a hidden 'island' inside the brain resonates with beliefs about sec...

Continue exploring

Insula vs. Insular Cortex: What's the Difference?

Evidence, perspectives, rabbit holes, and more

The insula is a hidden brain region located deep within the lateral sulcus.

Sources