- The anterior precuneus (aPCu) in the brain plays a critical role in forming our physical sense of self or “I”, as revealed by Stanford Medicine. When activity in the aPCu is disrupted, people’s perceptions of their place in the world dramatically change, invoking feelings of depersonalization.
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The aPCu works as part of a network of brain regions that integrate various types of bodily information to create our self-awareness.
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The findings contribute to our understanding of self-awareness and consciousness, shedding light on the brain structures involved in establishing our sense of self.
Supplemental Information ℹ️
The research conducted at Stanford Medicine has identified the anterior precuneus (aPCu) as a key component in the formation of our physical sense of self. By disrupting the electrical activity in the aPCu, researchers observed significant changes in individuals’ perceptions of their place in the world, leading to experiences of depersonalization. The aPCu functions within a network of brain regions that integrate information related to our location, motion, and bodily sensations, ultimately contributing to our self-awareness. These findings deepen our understanding of consciousness and self-awareness, opening avenues for further exploration into the intricacies of the human brain.
ELI35 💁
Researchers have discovered that a specific brain region called the anterior precuneus (aPCu) plays a crucial role in shaping our physical sense of self. When the activity in this brain region is disrupted, people experience altered perceptions of their place in the world, leading to a feeling of detachment from their own bodies. The aPCu works together with other brain regions to integrate information about our location, movement, and bodily sensations, forming our self-awareness. This research enhances our understanding of how our brains create our sense of self and consciousness.
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