The term visceral cortex refers to an area of cerebral cortex defined on the basis of multiple criteria including function and connectivity. In the human it has been defined by meta-analysis of data from studies involving noninvasive measures of neural activation associated with interoceptive sensations, such as visceral sensations, hunger, thirst, sexual arousal, change in body temperature, listening to one's own heart beat, and resisting the urge to void. A study of the insula showed primary activation of the central part of the structure ( Kurth-2010b ). If the internal structure of the central part of the human insula is comparable to that of the macaque, it is predominantly dysgranular insular cortex (Roberts) ( Mesulam-1984 ) with some involvement of agranular insular cortex (Roberts) ( Paxinos-2009a ). Most authors regard the topological equivalent of the visceral cortex of the rat ( Swanson-2004 ) and the mouse ( Hof-2000 ) to be granular insula.