Human Brain and Body Interaction

Physiological anthropology aims to understand the systemic coordination and adaptive capacity of the human body in response to various internal and external stimuli. An important aspect of this field is the complex brain-body interaction that underlies human behavior, cognition and overall health.

This Collection welcomes research on interoception, autonomic nervous system regulation, mental function and cerebral hemodynamics that will advance our understanding of the mechanisms of brain-body interactions that underlie human cognitive function. Interoception is the perception of signals from within the body and plays an important role in the generation and regulation of mental functions such as emotion through the maintenance of homeostasis and the realization of allostasis. Furthermore, it has been suggested that dysfunction of this brain-body communication system may play a central role in mental illnesses such as mood disorders and personality traits such as alexithymia.

In recent years, various methods of assessing interoception have been proposed and research into interoception, or the perception of signals from within the body, is progressing. In addition, research into the interaction between the brain and the body is moving towards the study of differences in cognitive function during phases of physiological response, as exemplified by the comparison between the systolic and diastolic phases of heart contraction. However, the specific mechanisms of brain-body interaction are not yet fully understood. More research is needed to understand these complex processes and their impact on human health and behavior.

In this Collection, we would like to bring together attempts to approach brain-body interaction from the perspective of body physiology and human behavior, which are the strengths of physiological anthropology. For example, there are studies of the effects on brain activity and behavior of changes in physical state induced by manipulation of autonomic nervous system responses, and of the interaction between the brain and various organs, including the heart. Specific examples include interventions that cause changes in autonomic nervous system activity, such as head-up tilt and negative pressure loading of the lower body, and research on interoception. Research on interoception has traditionally focused on cardiac indicators, but in recent years there has been an increase in research using information from other organs. We particularly welcome research that draws on the strengths of physiological anthropology, which is adept at using a variety of bodily information.

We are looking for original research, short communications and methodological studies that deepen our understanding of the interaction between the human brain and body. We particularly welcome submissions from the perspective of human behavior and cognitive neuroscience.

All submissions in this Collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email [email protected] or the Editor-in-Chief.