From anatomy to function: the role of the somatosensory cortex in emotional regulation

187Citations
Citations of this article
304Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

: Since the pioneering work of Penfield and his colleagues in the 1930s, the somatosensory cortex, which is located on the postcentral gyrus, has been known for its central role in processing sensory information from various parts of the body. More recently, a converging body of literature has shown that the somatosensory cortex also plays an important role in each stage of emotional processing, including identification of emotional significance in a stimulus, generation of emotional states, and regulation of emotion. Importantly, studies conducted in individuals suffering from mental disorders associated with abnormal emotional regulation, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and panic disorders, specific phobia, obesity, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, have found structural and functional changes in the somatosensory cortex. Common observations in the somatosensory cortices of individuals with mood disorders include alterations in gray matter volume, cortical thickness, abnormal functional connectivity with other brain regions, and changes in metabolic rates. These findings support the hypothesis that the somatosensory cortex may be a treatment target for certain mental disorders. In this review, we discuss the anatomy, connectivity, and functions of the somatosensory cortex, with a focus on its role in emotional regulation.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Kropf, E., Syan, S. K., Minuzzi, L., & Frey, B. N. (2019, May 1). From anatomy to function: the role of the somatosensory cortex in emotional regulation. Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999). NLM (Medline). https://doi.org/10.1590/1516-4446-2018-0183

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free