insula

American  

[in-suh-luh, ins-yuh-] / ˈɪn sə lə, ˈɪns yə- /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

insulae

1. a group of convolutions situated at the base of the lateral fissure of the brain.

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insula British  

/ ˈɪnsjʊlə /

noun

1. Also called: island of Reil.  a pyramid-shaped area of the brain within each cerebral hemisphere beneath parts of the frontal and temporal lobes

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Etymology

Origin of insula

1825–35; < New Latin, Latin: island; isle

Example Sentences

But we also have the insula, which processes risk, including the risk of social ostracization—to which the parietal cortex makes us extremely sensitive.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

Legon's study, however, is the first to target the insula and show that focused ultrasound can reach deep into the brain to ease pain.

From Science Daily • Feb. 5, 2024

The insula is a part of the brain specifically involved in conscious awareness of your emotions, pain and bodily sensations.

From Salon • Sep. 6, 2023

As the insula is further revealed, scaffolding is being put up around what remains of the buildings to make protective roofing.

From BBC • Jul. 18, 2023

Est in insula Oceani castum nemus, dicatum in eo vehiculum, veste contectum, attingere uni sacerdoti concessum.

From The Ethnology of the British Islands by Latham, R. G. (Robert Gordon)