insulae

The insulae, or modular regions of the brain, are clusters of neuronal tissue within the cerebral cortex that make up part of the brain's "gray matter." They play a key role in diverse functions such as processing emotions, sensing pain and temperature, regulating autonomic functions like heart rate and blood pressure, and integrating sensory information from the body. Situated deep within the folds of the brain's outer layer, the insulae help link our physical sensations with emotional experiences and awareness, contributing to our overall perception of internal and external states.