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

The DMN and the posterior insula are involved in how people sense their body, the sense of self and their internal reflections.

From Science Daily • Feb. 5, 2024

This network is a collection of brain regions—including parts of the insula and the anterior cingulate cortex—that prior studies had found were associated with distress in the face of social exclusion.

From Scientific American • Aug. 16, 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

The houses of the south-west insula are the most interesting.

From Naples Past and Present by Norway, Arthur H.