Primary Interoceptive Cortex Activity during Simulated Experiences of the Body.

ABSTRACT: Studies of the classic exteroceptive sensory systems (e.g., vision, touch) consistently demonstrate that vividly imagining a sensory experience of the world-simulating it-is associated with increased activity in the corresponding primary sensory cortex. We hypothesized, analogously, that simulating internal bodily sensations would be associated with increased neural activity in primary interoceptive cortex. An immersive, language-based mental imagery paradigm was used to test this hypothesis (e.g., imagine your heart pounding during a roller coaster ride, your face drenched in sweat during a workout). During two neuroimaging experiments, participants listened to vividly described situations and imagined "being there" in each scenario. In Study 1, we observed significantly heightened activi

SUBMITTER: Wilson-Mendenhall CD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6540780 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature