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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
05:55
Modeling the Functional Network for Spatial Navigation in the Human Brain
Published on: October 13, 2023
A manifold of spatial maps in the brain
Dori Derdikman1, Edvard I Moser
1Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience and the Centre for the Biology of Memory, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7489 Trondheim, Norway. dori.derdikman@weizmann.ac.il
Trends in Cognitive Sciences
|October 19, 2010
Summary
Brain spatial mapping uses place cells and grid cells. Recent studies show these neural maps adapt to complex, natural environments by fragmenting into dynamic submaps for real-time navigation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Spatial Navigation
Background:
- The brain uses distinct neural systems, including hippocampal place cells and parahippocampal grid cells, to encode self-location.
- Traditional studies focused on simple environments, overlooking the complexity of natural habitats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how hippocampal and entorhinal spatial maps represent complex, natural environments.
- To understand the functional implications of spatial map dynamics in real-world navigation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of recent studies on spatial mapping in hippocampal and entorhinal cortex.
- Examination of neural map fragmentation and coordination in response to environmental complexity.
Main Results:
- Hippocampal and entorhinal spatial maps fragment into interconnected, rapidly changing submaps.
- These dynamic submaps are tightly coordinated, reflecting the compartmentalized and variable nature of natural environments.
Conclusions:
- The observed plurality, fast dynamics, and dynamic grouping of spatial submaps are optimal for guiding behavior in natural habitats.
- These adaptive neural mechanisms support efficient navigation by leveraging large pools of stored information on a second-by-second basis.
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