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Working memory for visual objects: complementary roles of inferior temporal, medial temporal, and prefrontal cortex.
1Center for Neuroscience and Department of Psychology, University of California at Davis, 1544 Newton Court, Davis, CA 95616, USA. cranganath@ucdavis.edu
Neuroscience
|December 14, 2005
Summary
This study reviews visual working memory research, proposing a model where object representations in the inferior temporal cortex are activated by top-down feedback from prefrontal, medial temporal, and hippocampal areas.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Visual working memory (VWM) allows manipulation of visual information without ongoing sensory input.
- Neural basis of VWM is extensively studied, but integrated models of cortical interaction are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review neurophysiological, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging findings on VWM.
- To propose an integrated model of cortical interactions in visual memory formation and maintenance.
Main Methods:
- Review of neurophysiological studies in primates.
- Review of neuropsychological studies in humans.
- Review of neuroimaging studies in humans and nonhuman primates.
Main Results:
- VWM relies on activating object representations in the inferior temporal cortex.
- This activation is mediated by top-down feedback.
- Feedback originates from prefrontal cortex, medial temporal cortex, and hippocampus.
Conclusions:
- A unified model of VWM is proposed.
- This model integrates findings across multiple research methodologies.
- Cortical feedback loops are crucial for maintaining visual memories.