Also known as insula, the insular cortex is the part of the human cerebral cortex which is buried deep in the Sylvian fissure. It is a deep fold formed by the massive overgrowth of the temporal, frontal, and parietal lobe on the lateral aspect of cerebral hemispheres. It is located laterally to the lenticular nucleus. It can be accessed and seen by opening up the Sylvian fissure (lateral sulcus), pulling up the lower margin (operculum) of the parietal and frontal lobe with a bent spatula.
From a functional point of view, the insular cortex is related, along with the hippocampus, with long-term memory, emotion, as well as to self-awareness (consciousness), empathic feelings, and maturity. Its nerve cells receive and send axons from and to the temporal, frontal and parietal lobe. Its myelinated neuron axons are part of both the superior longitudinal and fronto-temporal fasciculus. This area of the cortex is supplied by branches of the middle cerebral artery.
Below, lateral aspect of left cerebral hemisphere and coronal section of brain showing the insular cortex.
