Physiological Needs: Sensations and Predictions in the Insular Cortex

Physiological needs create powerful motivations (e.g., thirst and hunger). Studies in humans and animal models have implicated the insular cortex in the neural regulation of physiological needs and need-driven behavior. We review prominent mechanistic models of how the insular cortex might achieve this regulation and present a conceptual and analytical framework for testing these models in healthy and pathological conditions.

Automated summary

Physiological needs such as thirst and hunger drive powerful motivations. Research in humans and animal models suggests that the insular cortex plays a role in regulating these needs and associated behaviors. This article reviews mechanistic models of insular cortex involvement and proposes a framework for testing these models in both healthy and pathological conditions.