Von Economo Neurons Enable Humans to Override Pain and Push Through Discomfort

What was said

"In your posterior insula, you have a very interesting population of very large neurons called von Economo neurons, neurons that are unbeknownst to most neuroscientists, and they seem uniquely enriched in humans. These von Economo neurons have the unique property of integrating our knowledge about our body movements, our sense of pain and discomfort, and can drive motivational processes that allow us to lean into discomfort and indeed to overcome any discomfort if we decide that the discomfort that we are experiencing is good for us or directed toward a specific goal."

Huberman reveals that von Economo neurons, located in the posterior insula and largely unknown to most neuroscientists, appear uniquely enriched in humans and enable us to consciously override pain reflexes. These neurons integrate pain perception with goal-directed behavior, allowing humans to push through discomfort when we decide it serves a purpose, a capability other animals appear to lack.