Functions of the insula and sense of self

: As symbolically represented by the rubber hand illusion, the sense of body-ownership is constructed by the integration of multisensory signals. Due to its strategic location as an interface between the brain and body, the insula, as well as the temporal-parietal junction and premotor area, have been thought to play an important role in multisensory integration. The insula, especially its most anterior portion, is also a site for representation and awareness of interoception: sensing the internal physiological states of the body. Recent studies have showed that interoception can be integrated with exteroception, such as vision and touch, and can thus contribute to the sense of body-ownership. Here, recent empirical findings and a hypothetical model about functions of the insula for the sense of body-ownership are introduced. Furthermore, I will try to expand the model to explain the significance of interoception in decision-making.