Interoception.

Loosely speaking, “Interoception” refers to the processes by which the brain senses and represents information from the peripheral body. Many researchers have articulated the need for a more refined ontology within Interoceptive Science.

helpful RESOURCES


INTroductory readings:


Facets of interoception:

Many authors have argued that interoception can be be considered to have several dissociable facets. The following papers describe common models of interoceptive facets (and include information about measurement).


relevant Anatomy:


measurement — overview:

Research on interoceptive processes has largely relied on empirical data from healthy human subjects, clinical samples, and animal models. Each of these data sources, however, exhibit key limitations.

Firstly, the ascendance and central processing of peripheral signaling is infamously difficult to manipulate and measure non-invasively in humans. Most studies on interoception have thus utilized the passive measurement of pulsatile signals from the heart, lungs, and gut (e.g., using ECG, piezoelectric sensors, or EMG). Some researchers have employed creative pharmacological manipulations, although findings from these studies are inherently limited by the often volatile and nonspecific actions of pharmacological agents.

Secondly, while clinical models have provided invaluable insight into interoceptive processes, some of the most theoretically relevant conditions (e.g., sympathectomy, vagotomy, or dysautonomia) remain exceedingly rare.

Thirdly, while animal models of interoceptive pathways have garnered major insight, the generalizability of these models are often poor. Empirical work has demonstrated significant heterogeneity in relevant interspecific anatomy (e.g., in limbic cytoarchitecture and connectivity) suggesting differences in the central processing of peripheral afference cross-species. More work needs to be done to parse apart species-general and species-specific adaptations in order to best understand the evolution of interoceptive processes, and their manifestation in humans.


measurement — Cardiac interoception:

Some classics:

Important interpretive caveats for using counting or signal detection methods:

Novel techniques:


measurement — interoception beyond the heart:

Studies investigating the relationship between facets of interoception across modalities (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory, gastric) have produced mixed findings (some examples below). Additionally, some modalities (e.g., for humoral systems) have yet to be fully explored.


Interoception & Predictive Coding: