What are von Economo neurons?

Von Economo neurons are a distinctive type of neuron that is unusually large and primarily found in the posterior insula of the human brain. These neurons are observed in only a few other species, such as whales, chimpanzees, and elephants. Despite the size difference between humans and these large animals, humans possess a comparatively high number of von Economo neurons, roughly 80,000. These neurons are crucial for integrating knowledge about our body movements and sensations, such as pain and discomfort. They play a significant role in driving motivational processes that enable us to endure discomfort if it's deemed beneficial for achieving certain goals 1 .

The unique function of von Economo neurons involves the ability to adjust our internal state from alertness to relaxation and to engage circuits that allow us to manage our level of alertness and stress. This capability is particularly relevant during activities like stretching, where one might need to consciously override discomfort to achieve relaxation and flexibility 2 .