Topic: interoceptive inference

Prior expectations shape how we see the world and monitor our feelings. In particular, it has long been evident that priors and ambiguous sensory input interact to determine the course of perceptual decision-making. However, although numerous theories emphasize an important role for interoceptive inference in shaping our exteroceptive perception, there is as yet no evidence as to how visceral rhythms modulate the interaction between priors and input.Using a novel perceptual learning task, we analysed how cyclic fluctuations of visceral signals in the cardiac domain influence affective perceptu

The anterior insula cortex (AIC) and claustrum (CLA ) are two closely related brain regions. AIC is thought to integrate visceral information, suggesting it plays a role in interoceptive inference, thereby providing a possible neural mechanism for consciousness. Studies on CLA indicate that it is a cortical hub for orchestrating inter-areal communication. Because of the strong interaction between CLA and AIC, combined they could play a role in consciousness. Here we have undertaken to compare our findings in macaque with those in rodent. Retrograde tracers were injected in macaque brain AIC an