a pyramid-shaped area of the brain within each cerebral hemisphere beneath parts of the frontal and temporal lobes
Also called: island of Reil
Word origin
Latin, literally: island
insula in American English
(ˈinsələ, ˈinsjə-)
nounWord forms: plural-lae (-ˌli)
Anatomy
a group of convolutions situated at the base of the lateral fissure of the brain
Also called: Island of Reil
Word origin
[1825–35; ‹ NL, L: island; cf. isle]This word is first recorded in the period 1825–35. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: breakdown, cliché, runway, self-help, spiritualism
Examples of 'insula' in a sentence
insula
Whatever expensive item was placed in front of him, his insula remained resolutely 'blasé'.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
In some participants, seeing the price tags of items sparked activity in the insula.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Those with damage to the insula do not carry on gambling.
The Sun (2014)
Conversely, liberals had more activity in the left insula, an area associated with self-awareness.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The insula and thalamus are both part of the pain circuit associated with 'normal' pain.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Experts believe a region in the brain called the anterior insula controls how quickly we make decisions about love.
The Sun (2014)
The insula is involved with the gut-sinking sensation you get when you feel that small.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The other, the anterior insula, is involved in introspection and yoking actions together with emotions.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The researchers focused on the insula, the region of the brain that usually responds when you see something distasteful.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Hyperactivity in the insula leads people to think they have better odds of winning after a 'near-miss'.