Neuroscience Lecture 28: Hippocampus/MTL Theories of Consolidation

Hippocampus/MTL

serves key functions in encoding and retrieval

synaptic consolidation

increases communication efficiency at synapses (LTP)

systems consolidation

process by which encoded information is translated into durable, long-lasting storage in the brain

systems consolidation specifically involves

hippocampus/MTL and gradual reorganization of large-scale circuits/connections

standard consolidation theory

time-limited role doe hippocampus in all declarative memory; recent memories transferred to cortex as they become more remote

trace transformation theory

the role of hippocampus is not specifically dependent on time; role depends on the nature of the declarative memory

___ evolved from ____

trace transformation theory, multiple-trace theory

multiple trace theory

proposed many copies of a memory —> from reactivation

episodic/contextual memories

dependent on hippocampus

semantic/schematic memories

not dependent on hippocampus

____ plays a "permanent" role in declarative memory

hippocampus

some memories are transformed from

contextual to schematic

hippocampus/MTL activity when retrieving

both recent and remote declarative memories

hippocampus contains

spatial map of the environment

place cells

neurons in the hippocampus that fire when the animal is in a particular location in space —> linked to context

___ hippocampus especially important for special memory

right

allocentric space

a map of space coding the locations of objects and places relative to each other hippocampus —> navigation and memory

egocentric space

a map of space coded relative to the position of the body/viewpoint (parietal) —> acting on objects

prefrontal is important for

controlling our behavior and cognition

PFC is critical for

executive functions

executive functions

control processes that enable someone to optimize performance, especially in situations that require controlling/coordinating several other cognitive or neural processes