The insular cortex had been considered a mysterious structure for years and consists of only 2% of all cortical surface area. It is a separate lobe of the cerebral cortex and lies close to the limbic system, which makes it a paralimbic structure, and forms the floor of the lateral sulcus. Despite the myriad of research regarding the insular cortex over the years, it is still considered an obscure and incompletely known structure. Thus, this study aimed to summarize the previous studies regarding the structure, embryology, location, connections, and functions of the insular cortex. Moreover, this review would tend to reorganize the data in a more comprehensive fashion to facilitate reaching the information regarding the insular cortex. The results of the studies were summarized from three perspectives that is neuroanatomy, physiological function, and pathologies commonly affecting the insular cortex. Overall, many textbooks, reviews, case reports, and clinical trials have demonstrated that the insular cortex has a crucial, active, and integrative role in functions throughout the body, from the brain to feeling pain in dorsal part of the foot. Moreover, ischemic stroke cases have demonstrated clearly, how much important the insular cortex is, in normal physiological functioning. More studies, especially clinical trials, should be performed to evaluate the effects of impeding this important intracranial structure.
Key words: insular cortex, history, mystery, Saudi Arabia, review
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