Components of the forebrain level of the central autonomic network
What are the components of the forebrain level of the central autonomic network? What is the role of each component?
Insular cortex integrates the interoceptive inputs with emotional and cognitive processing and also controls the sympathetic and parasympathetic outputs.
Anterior cingulate cortex controls sympathetic and parasympathetic functions through extensive connections with insula, amygdala, hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, and brain stem.
Amygdala, a complex structure that adds emotional and affective value to the incoming sensory information.
Hypothalamus is the location where the autonomic and endocrine responses are integrated and controlled.
