Cited by 793Functional Brain Connectivity StudiesAdvanced Neuroimaging Techniques and ApplicationsNeural dynamics and brain function

Functional connectivity of the insula in the resting brain

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Cauda, Franco, D'Agata, Federico, Sacco, Katiuscia, Duca, Sergio, Geminiani, Giuliano, Vercelli, Alessandro·2011·NeuroImage

Abstract

The human insula is hidden in the depth of the cerebral hemisphere by the overlying frontal and temporal opercula, and consists of three cytoarchitectonically distinct regions: the anterior agranular area, posterior granular area, and the transitional dysgranular zone; each has distinct histochemical staining patterns and specific connectivity. Even though there are several studies reporting the functional connectivity of the insula with the cingulated cortex, its relationships with other brain areas remain elusive in humans. Therefore, we decided to use resting state functional connectivity to elucidate in details its connectivity, in terms of cortical and subcortical areas, and also of lateralization. We investigated correlations in BOLD fluctuations between specific regions of interest of the insula and other brain areas of right-handed healthy volunteers, on both sides of the brain. Our findings document two major complementary networks involving the ventral-anterior and dorsal-posterior insula: one network links the anterior insula to the middle and inferior temporal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, and is primarily related to limbic regions which play a role in emotional aspects; the second links the middle-posterior insula to premotor, sensorimotor, supplementary motor and middle-posterior cingulate cortices, indicating a role for the insula in sensorimotor integration. The clear bipartition of the insula was confirmed by negative correlation analysis. Correlation maps are partially lateralized: the salience network, related to the ventral anterior insula, displays stronger connections with the anterior cingulate cortex on the right side, and with the frontal cortex on the left side; the posterior network has stronger connections with the superior temporal cortex and the occipital cortex on the right side. These results are in agreement with connectivity studies in primates, and support the use of resting state functional analysis to investigate connectivity in the living human brain.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.11.049

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Authors
Cauda, F., D'Agata, F., Sacco, K., Duca, S., Geminiani, G., & Vercelli, A.
Affiliations
Ospedale Koelliker (IT)
Corresponding author
Cauda, Franco
Venue
NeuroImage
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2011-03
Volume
55
Issue
1
Pages
8-23
ISSN
1053-8119 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2028365182
Cited by
793
References
118
Citations by year
2026: 25 · 2025: 27 · 2024: 67 · 2023: 39 · 2022: 42 · 2021: 59 · 2020: 59 · 2019: 65 · 2018: 56 · 2017: 61 · 2016: 59 · 2015: 63 · 2014: 61 · 2013: 45 · 2012: 44
FWCI
21.14
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • NeuroImage (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Institutional Research Information System University of Turin (University of Turin) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Funders
Regione Piemonte (4/2006)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Functional Brain Connectivity Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging › Advanced Neuroimaging Techniques and Applications
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
Keywords
insula, resting-state functional connectivity, anterior insula, posterior insula, salience network, sensorimotor integration, anterior cingulate cortex, inferior temporal cortex, superior temporal cortex, hemispheric lateralization, limbic system
MeSH terms
Brain Mapping, Cerebral Cortex, Humans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Male, Middle Aged, Nerve Net, Neural Pathways, Rest

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