Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2018 Dec 1;15(suppl_1):S175-S244.
doi: 10.1093/ons/opy259.

A Connectomic Atlas of the Human Cerebrum-Chapter 5: The Insula and Opercular Cortex

Affiliations

A Connectomic Atlas of the Human Cerebrum-Chapter 5: The Insula and Opercular Cortex

Cordell M Baker et al. Oper Neurosurg. .

Abstract

In this supplement, we build on work previously published under the Human Connectome Project. Specifically, we show a comprehensive anatomic atlas of the human cerebrum demonstrating all 180 distinct regions comprising the cerebral cortex. The location, functional connectivity, and structural connectivity of these regions are outlined, and where possible a discussion is included of the functional significance of these areas. In part 5, we specifically address regions relevant to the insula and opercular cortex.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1.
Anatomical location of the anterior apex parcellations of the frontal operculum and insula shown on the right hemisphere of a cadaver brain. A, Lateral view of the posterior insula visualized by widening the lateral sulcus. B, Inferior view of the right hemisphere demonstrating the parietal opercular regions visualized by widening the lateral sulcus. C, Oblique lateral view of the insular apex and frontal operculum visualized by widening the lateral sulcus.
FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 2.
Combined structural connectivity of the anterior apex parcellations in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral, B, medial, and C, far medial planes. D, Axial view.
FIGURE 3.
FIGURE 3.
Functional connectivity of Pir demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 4.
FIGURE 4.
Structural connectivity of Pir in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Coronal view. Light blue: white matter tracts of Pir demonstrating connections with the temporal pole and local parcellations. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 5.
FIGURE 5.
Functional connectivity of AAIC demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 6.
FIGURE 6.
Structural connectivity of AAIC in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, medial and C, lateral planes. B, Coronal view. Pink: white matter tracts of AAIC demonstrating connections with local parcellations. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 7.
FIGURE 7.
Functional connectivity of AVI demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 8.
FIGURE 8.
Structural connectivity of AVI in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Coronal view. Green: white matter tracts of AVI demonstrating connections with local parcellations. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 9.
FIGURE 9.
Functional connectivity of MI demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 10.
FIGURE 10.
Structural connectivity of MI in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral, B, medial, and C, far medial planes. D, Coronal view. Orange: white matter tracts of MI demonstrating connections with the arcuate/SFL, frontal aslant tract, and local parcellations. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 11.
FIGURE 11.
Functional connectivity of FOP5 demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 12.
FIGURE 12.
Structural connectivity of FOP5 in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Axial view. Purple: white matter tracts of FOP5 demonstrating connections with the IFOF and the arcuate/SFL. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 13.
FIGURE 13.
Functional connectivity of FOP4 demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 14.
FIGURE 14.
Structural connectivity of FOP4 in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral, B, medial, and C, far medial planes. D, Coronal view. Light blue: white matter tracts of FOP4 demonstrating connections with the frontal aslant tract and the arcuate/SFL. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 15.
FIGURE 15.
Functional connectivity of FOP3 demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 16.
FIGURE 16.
Structural connectivity of FOP3 in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Coronal view. Orange: white matter tracts of FOP3 demonstrating connections with the frontal aslant track and local parcellations. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 17.
FIGURE 17.
Functional connectivity of FOP2 demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Oblique views demonstrating the operculum. C, Dorsal and ventral views. D, Rostral and caudal views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 18.
FIGURE 18.
Structural connectivity of FOP2 in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Coronal view. White: white matter tracts of FOP2 demonstrating connections with local parcellations. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 19.
FIGURE 19.
Functional connectivity of FOP1 demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Oblique views demonstrating the operculum. C, Dorsal and ventral views. D, Rostral and caudal views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 20.
FIGURE 20.
Structural connectivity of FOP1 in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral, B, medial, and C, far medial planes. D, Coronal view. Purple: white matter tracts of FOP1 demonstrating connections with portions of the frontal aslant tract, and the arcuate/SFL. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 21.
FIGURE 21.
Functional connectivity of 43 demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 22.
FIGURE 22.
Structural connectivity of 43 in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Axial view. Purple: white matter tracts of 43 demonstrating connections with the superior parietal lobe and local parcellations. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 23.
FIGURE 23.
Anatomical location of parietal apex parcellations shown on the left hemisphere of a cadaver brain. A, Oblique view with a widening of Heschel's gyrus to show extensions of parcellations. B, Inferolateral view of parietal opercular regions. C, Lateral view of the parcellation comprising the inferior parietal lobule.
FIGURE 24.
FIGURE 24.
Combined structural connectivity of the parietal apex parcellations in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. A, Axial view. Sagittal views of B, medial, C, lateral, and D, far lateral planes.
FIGURE 25.
FIGURE 25.
Functional connectivity of Ig demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 26.
FIGURE 26.
Structural connectivity of Ig in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Axial view. Green: white matter tracts of Ig demonstrating connections with local parcellations and MI. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 27.
FIGURE 27.
Functional connectivity of OP4 demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 28.
FIGURE 28.
Structural connectivity of OP4 in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Axial view. White: white matter tracts of OP4 demonstrating connections with local parcellations. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 29.
FIGURE 29.
Functional connectivity of OP2-3 demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 30.
FIGURE 30.
Structural connectivity of OP2-3 in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Axial view. Orange: white matter tracts of OP2 demonstrating connections with the anterior insula areas and local parcellations. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 31.
FIGURE 31.
Functional connectivity of OP1 demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 32.
FIGURE 32.
Structural connectivity of OP1 in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Axial view. Green: white matter tracts of OP1 demonstrating connections with local parcellations, the anterior insula, and the temporal pole. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 33.
FIGURE 33.
Functional connectivity of PFcm demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 34.
FIGURE 34.
Structural connectivity of PFcm in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Axial view. Red: white matter tracts of PFcm demonstrating connections with portions of the arcuate/SFL. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 35.
FIGURE 35.
Functional connectivity of RI demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 36.
FIGURE 36.
Structural connectivity of RI in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Axial view. Yellow: white matter tracts of RI demonstrating connections with portions of the arcuate/SFL, anterior insula, and local parcellations. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 37.
FIGURE 37.
Functional connectivity of 52 demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 38.
FIGURE 38.
Structural connectivity of 52 in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, medial and B, lateral planes. C, Axial view. Orange: white matter tracts of 52 demonstrating connections with local parcellations. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 39.
FIGURE 39.
Functional connectivity of A1 demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 40.
FIGURE 40.
Structural connectivity of A1 in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Axial view. Purple: white matter tracts of A1 demonstrating connections with the parietal lobe, occipital lobe, inferior frontal gyrus, and local parcellations. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 41.
FIGURE 41.
Functional connectivity of Mbelt demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 42.
FIGURE 42.
Structural connectivity of MBelt in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Axial view. Light Blue: white matter tracts of MBelt demonstrating connections with the middle longitudinal fasciculus. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 43.
FIGURE 43.
Functional connectivity of Lbelt demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 44.
FIGURE 44.
Structural connectivity of LBelt in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Axial view. Purple: white matter tracts of LBelt demonstrating connections with the arcuate/SFL. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 45.
FIGURE 45.
Functional connectivity of PBelt demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Oblique views demonstrating the operculum. C, Rostral and caudal views. D, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 46.
FIGURE 46.
Structural connectivity of PBelt in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and C, medial planes. B, Axial view. Yellow: white matter tracts of PBelt demonstrating connections with the middle longitudinal fasciculus and the arcuate/SFL. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 47.
FIGURE 47.
Functional connectivity of PSL demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 48.
FIGURE 48.
Structural connectivity of PSL in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Axial view. Light Pink: white matter tracts of PSL demonstrating connections with the arcuate/SFL. Darker pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 49.
FIGURE 49.
Functional connectivity of STV demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 50.
FIGURE 50.
Structural connectivity of STV in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, medial and B, lateral planes. C, Axial view. Yellow: white matter tracts of STV demonstrating connections with the temporal lobe and local parcellations. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 51.
FIGURE 51.
Anatomical location of temporal “hypotenuse” parcellations shown on the left hemisphere of a cadaver brain. A, Lateral view of the superior temporal sulcus. B, Oblique view with a widening of the lateral sulcus to visualize superior temporal lobe parcellations. C, Lateral view with widening of the lateral sulcus to visualize frontal opercular and insular regions adjacent to the temporal lobe.
FIGURE 52.
FIGURE 52.
Combined structural connectivity of the temporal “hypotenuse” parcellations in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral, B, medial, and C, far medial planes. D, Axial view.
FIGURE 53.
FIGURE 53.
Functional connectivity of Pol1 demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Oblique view. C, Rostral and caudal views. D, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 54.
FIGURE 54.
Structural connectivity of PoI1 in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Axial view. Pink: white matter tracts of PoI1 demonstrating connections with the occipital lobe, parietal lobe, and local parcellations. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 55.
FIGURE 55.
Functional connectivity of Pol2 demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 56.
FIGURE 56.
Structural connectivity of PoI2 in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Axial view. Green: white matter tracts of PoI2 demonstrating connections with the parietal lobe, entorhinal cortex and local parcellations. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 57.
FIGURE 57.
Functional connectivity of Pl demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Oblique views demonstrating the operculum. C, Rostral and caudal views. D, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 58.
FIGURE 58.
Structural connectivity of PI in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Axial view. White: white matter tracts of PI demonstrating connections with the temporal pole, occipital lobe, and local parcellations. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 59.
FIGURE 59.
Functional connectivity of A4 demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 60.
FIGURE 60.
Structural connectivity of A4 in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral, B, medial, and C, far medial planes. D, Axial view showing projections to the contralateral hemisphere. Green: white matter tracts of A4 demonstrating connections with the arcuate/SFL and the middle longitudinal fasciculus. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 61.
FIGURE 61.
Functional connectivity of A5 demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 62.
FIGURE 62.
Structural connectivity of A5 in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral, B, medial, and C, far medial planes. D, Axial view. Green: white matter tracts of A5 demonstrating connections with the arcuate/SFL and the middle longitudinal fasciculus. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 63.
FIGURE 63.
Functional connectivity of STGa demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Rostral and caudal views. C, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 64.
FIGURE 64.
Structural connectivity of STGa in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Axial view. Light Blue: white matter tracts of STGa demonstrating connections with the inferior longitudinal fasciculus and local parcellations. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 65.
FIGURE 65.
Functional connectivity of TA-2 demonstrated on an inflated left hemisphere. A, Lateral and medial views. B, Oblique views demonstrating the operculum. C, Rostral and caudal views. D, Dorsal and ventral views. Parcellations with the strongest functional connectivity are shown in yellow. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.
FIGURE 66.
FIGURE 66.
Structural connectivity of TA2 in the left hemisphere, shown on T1-weighted MR images. Sagittal views of A, lateral and B, medial planes. C, Axial view. Yellow: white matter tracts of TA2 demonstrating connections with the inferior longitudinal fasciculus and local parcellations. Pink arrows designate the parcellation of interest.

Similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. Tanriover N, Rhoton AL Jr, Kawashima M, Ulm AJ, Yasuda A. Microsurgical anatomy of the insula and the sylvian fissure. J Neurosurg. 2004;100(5):891-922. - PubMed
    1. Türe U, Yaşargil DCH, Al-Mefty O, Yaşargil MG. Topographic anatomy of the insular region. J Neurosurg. 1999;90(4):720-733. - PubMed
    1. Johnson DM, Illig KR, Behan M, Haberly LB. New features of connectivity in piriform cortex visualized by intracellular injection of pyramidal cells suggest that “primary” olfactory cortex functions like “association” cortex in other sensory systems. J Neurosci. 2000;20(18):6974-6982. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Vaughan DN, Jackson GD. The piriform cortex and human focal epilepsy. Front Neurol. 2014;5:259. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Nelson SM, Dosenbach NU, Cohen AL, Wheeler ME, Schlaggar BL, Petersen SE. Role of the anterior insula in task-level control and focal attention. Brain Struct Funct. 2010;214(5-6):669-680. - PMC - PubMed

Publication types

MeSH terms