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The subiculum: a review of form, physiology and function
S M O'Mara1, S Commins, M Anderson
1Department of Psychology, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland. smomara@tcd.ie
Progress in Neurobiology
|March 10, 2001
Summary
The mammalian subiculum, a key brain region, is integral to the hippocampal formation. Further research is needed to clarify its distinct role in spatial navigation and memory processing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroanatomy
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- The subiculum is a crucial brain structure connecting the hippocampus proper with cortical and subcortical regions.
- It plays a significant role in mediating hippocampal-cortical interactions but remains under-investigated.
- Its precise anatomical and functional classification is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, and functional characteristics of the mammalian subiculum.
- To argue for the subiculum's inclusion within the hippocampal formation based on its circuit role.
- To highlight the need for further research into its unique properties and functions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of neuroanatomical studies.
- Analysis of neurophysiological data.
- Functional property assessment through existing research.
Main Results:
- The subiculum exhibits distinct electrophysiological and functional properties compared to its input areas.
- It influences activity in widespread cortical and subcortical regions due to its extensive connections.
- Synaptic plasticity rules in the subiculum are not fully understood and differ from the hippocampus proper.
Conclusions:
- The subiculum should be considered part of the hippocampal formation due to its central role in the hippocampal circuit.
- The term "subicular complex" is anatomically and functionally imprecise.
- Future research should focus on defining the subiculum's unique contribution to hippocampal processing and experimentally investigating its properties.