Limen insulae

Limen insulae is a term used in neuroanatomy to refer to the marginal part of the insula that separates it from the frontal, parietal, and temporal opercula. It is also known as the limen of the insula or the insular limit.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The limen insulae is a small, curved gyrus located at the bottom of the lateral sulcus. It is the boundary between the insula and the opercula of the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes. The insula is a small region of the cerebral cortex located deep within the lateral sulcus, which is one of the most prominent grooves on the surface of the brain.

The insula is divided into two parts: the larger anterior insula and the smaller posterior insula. The limen insulae is located at the junction of these two parts. It is a critical structure in the brain because it helps to integrate information from different sensory modalities and is involved in a variety of cognitive functions.

Function[edit | edit source]

The limen insulae, as part of the insula, plays a crucial role in various functions. It is involved in the processing of emotions, pain perception, and consciousness. It also plays a role in the regulation of the body's homeostasis, including heart rate and blood pressure.

The insula, and by extension the limen insulae, is also involved in cognitive functioning. It is associated with functions such as attention, language processing, and working memory.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Damage to the insula, including the limen insulae, can result in a variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions. These include stroke, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism. In particular, insular strokes can lead to a unique syndrome known as insular cortex syndrome, which is characterized by a variety of symptoms including dysarthria, vertigo, and contralateral hemiparesis.