Zinn Pascal O, Habib Ahmed, Deng Hansen, Gecici Neslihan Nisa, Elidrissy Hayat, Alami Idrissi Yassine, Amjadzadeh Mohammadreza, Sherry Natalie Sandel
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
Brain Sci. 2024 Jun 27;14(7):646. doi: 10.3390/brainsci14070646.
The insular cortex, a critical hub in the brain's sensory, cognitive, and emotional networks, remains an intriguing subject of study. In this article, we discuss its intricate functional neuroanatomy, emphasizing its pivotal role in processing olfactory information. Through concise exploration, we delve into the insula's diverse connectivity and its involvement in sensory integration, particularly in olfaction. Stimulation studies in humans reveal compelling insights into the insula's contribution to the perception of smell, hinting at its broader implications for cognitive processing. Additionally, we explore an avenue of research in which studying olfactory processing via insular stimulation could unravel higher-level cognitive processes. This innovative approach could help give a fresh perspective on the interplay between sensory and cognitive domains, offering valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying cognition and emotion. In conclusion, future research efforts should emphasize a multidisciplinary approach, combining advanced imaging and surgical techniques to explore the intricate functions of the human insula. Moreover, awake craniotomies could offer a unique opportunity for real-time observation, shedding light on its neural circuitry and contributions to higher-order brain functions. Furthermore, olfaction's direct cortical projection enables precise exploration of insular function, promising insights into cognitive and emotional processes. This multifaceted approach will deepen our understanding of the insular cortex and its significance in human cognition and emotion.
岛叶皮质是大脑感觉、认知和情感网络中的一个关键枢纽，仍然是一个引人入胜的研究对象。在本文中，我们将讨论其复杂的功能神经解剖结构，重点强调其在处理嗅觉信息方面的关键作用。通过简要的探索，我们深入研究岛叶的多样连接及其在感觉整合中的作用，特别是在嗅觉方面。对人类的刺激研究揭示了关于岛叶对嗅觉感知贡献的引人注目的见解，暗示了其对认知加工的更广泛影响。此外，我们探索了一条研究途径，即通过岛叶刺激研究嗅觉加工可能揭示更高层次的认知过程。这种创新方法有助于为感觉和认知领域之间的相互作用提供新的视角，为认知和情感背后的神经机制提供有价值的见解。总之，未来的研究工作应强调多学科方法，结合先进的成像和手术技术来探索人类岛叶的复杂功能。此外，清醒开颅手术可能提供实时观察的独特机会，揭示其神经回路及其对高阶脑功能的贡献。此外，嗅觉的直接皮质投射能够精确探索岛叶功能，有望为认知和情感过程提供见解。这种多方面的方法将加深我们对岛叶皮质及其在人类认知和情感中的重要性的理解。
