What is the anterior cingulate cortex?

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a central region in the brain that plays a crucial role in interpreting bodily signals and making decisions based on those interpretations. It is involved in assessing emotional and bodily states, such as heart rate and breathing, and is critical for interpreting whether these states are appropriate for the situation. For instance, an unusually rapid heart rate while at rest might be interpreted as a concern due to the context [1].

Additionally, the ACC is linked to experiencing and interpreting psychological and physiological pressure. Stimulation of the anterior mid-cingulate cortex has been shown to create a sensation that something is about to occur, which requires an individual to marshal resources and mentally prepare for a challenge. This feeling could be described metaphorically as expecting a storm and preparing to face it [2].