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Two component functions of the hippocampal memory system

Eichenbaum, Howard, Otto, Tim and Cohen, Neal J. (1994) Two component functions of the hippocampal memory system.

Short Abstract:

The hippocampal system contributes to (1) the temporary maintenance of memories and (2) the processing of a particular type of memory representation. The evidence from amnesia suggests that these two hippocampus-dependent memory functions are orthogonal. Neuropsychological, anatomical and physiological evidence supports a two-component model of cortico-hippocampal interactions: Neocortical association areas maintain short-term memories for specific items and events prior to hippocampal processing and they provide the final repositories of long-term memory. The parahippocampal region supports intermediate-term storage of individual items and the hippocampal formation itself organizes memories according to relevant relationships among items. Hippocampal-cortical interactions lead to strong and persistent memories for events and their constituent elements and interrelations, together with a capacity for flexibly producing memories across a wide range of circumstances.

Long Abstract:

The hippocampal system contributes to (1) the temporary maintenance of memories and (2) the processing of a particular type of memory representation. The evidence from amnesia suggests that these two hippocampus-dependent memory functions are orthogonal. Neuropsychological, anatomical and physiological evidence supports a two-component model of cortico-hippocampal interactions: Neocortical association areas maintain short-term memories for specific items and events prior to hippocampal processing and they provide the final repositories of long-term memory. The parahippocampal region supports intermediate-term storage of individual items and the hippocampal formation itself organizes memories according to relevant relationships among items. Hippocampal-cortical interactions lead to strong and persistent memories for events and their constituent elements and interrelations, together with a capacity for flexibly producing memories across a wide range of circumstances.

Keywords:	Amnesia, Hippocampus, Parahippocampal Region, Entorhinal Cortex, Learning, Memory, Representation.
Subjects:	Psychology: Learning and Memory Neuroscience: Neuroanatomy Neuroscience: Neural Modelling Neuroscience: Neurophysiology
ID code:	bbs00000563
Deposited by:	Howard Eichenbaum on 02 May 2001