Interoception
Interoception
Interoception (pronounced in-tuh-roh-SEP-shun) is the sense of the internal state of the body. It is an important aspect of self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Etymology
The term "interoception" comes from the Latin intero, meaning "within" or "inside," and ceptio, meaning "to take hold of" or "to grasp." It was first used in the early 20th century to describe the body's ability to sense its internal state.
Definition
Interoception is the process by which the nervous system receives, interprets, and integrates signals originating from within the body, providing a moment-by-moment mapping of the body's internal landscape across conscious and unconscious levels. This can include the sensation of heartbeat, breathing, satiety, and the sensation of needing to urinate or defecate.
Related Terms
- Proprioception: The sense of the relative position of one's own parts of the body and strength of effort being employed in movement.
- Exteroception: The sense of external stimuli, such as sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
- Neuroception: A term coined by Dr. Stephen Porges to describe how neural circuits distinguish whether situations or people are safe, dangerous, or life threatening.
Importance
Interoception is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in the body. It allows us to respond to internal changes and regulate our bodily functions effectively. It also plays a key role in our emotional experiences, decision-making processes, and self-awareness.
Research
Research into interoception has increased in recent years, with studies linking interoceptive awareness to various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. It is also being explored in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Interoception
- Wikipedia's article - Interoception
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