Search
-
- Page
Glossar
15.03.2017
-
- Grundlagen
- Anatomy
The Insular Lobe
Deeply hidden in the temporal lobe lies the insular cortex: ancient, versatile, and full of surprises.
08.07.2025
-
- Glossary
Primary gustatory cortex
Term for the areas of the insular cortex where information from the taste receptors is processed. Further processing takes place in the secondary gustatory cortex in the orbitofrontal cortex.
-
- Glossary
Gustatory cortex
Here, the brain processes information from the taste receptors. When these are stimulated, the sensory cells in the taste buds send a signal to the thalamus via various intermediate stations. The thalamus then forwards this signal to the insular lobe. This is where the primary gustatory cortex is located, which combines the information from the taste pathways with other sensory impressions. The primary gustatory cortex then forwards the combined data package to its secondary counterpart. This is located in the orbitofrontal cortex, where the final processing of olfactory information also takes place.
-
- Glossary
Nucleus tractus solitarius
A nucleus in the medulla oblongata that serves as an important integration center for visceral information. Among other things, it processes taste stimuli (via nerves VII, IX, and X) and transmits them via the thalamus (ventral posteromedial nucleus, VPM) to the primary gustatory cortex. The NTS is also involved in the motor functions of swallowing, coughing, and respiratory control by transmitting signals to motor nuclei such as the nucleus ambiguus. These reflexes serve to protect the respiratory tract and facilitate food intake.
