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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Modeling the Functional Network for Spatial Navigation in the Human Brain

Modeling the Functional Network for Spatial Navigation in the Human Brain

Published on: October 13, 2023

Human neural systems underlying rigid and flexible forms of allocentric spatial representation.

Hui Zhang¹, Arne Ekstrom

¹Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California 95618, USA.

Human Brain Mapping

|July 13, 2012

Summary

Brain regions involved in spatial navigation differ based on how previously learned information is used. The posterior superior parietal cortex/precuneus support allocentric representation, while the hippocampus enables flexible use of these spatial memories.

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Modeling the Functional Network for Spatial Navigation in the Human Brain

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Published on: October 13, 2023

Assessing Human Spatial Navigation in a Virtual Space and its Sensitivity to Exercise

Assessing Human Spatial Navigation in a Virtual Space and its Sensitivity to Exercise

Published on: January 26, 2024

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cognitive Neuroscience
Neuroimaging

Background:

Human spatial navigation relies on brain structures like the medial temporal lobe, parietal cortex, and retrosplenial cortex.
The precise role of these areas in allocentric (world-relative) spatial representation is not fully understood.
Hippocampal function in memory is modulated by whether representations are used flexibly (novel situations) or rigidly (original encoding).

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate differential brain activation during flexible versus rigid utilization of pre-existing allocentric spatial representations.
To clarify the roles of specific brain regions, particularly the hippocampus and parietal cortex, in spatial memory retrieval.

Main Methods:

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to scan subjects.
Participants encoded building locations in a virtual city from an aerial view.
Retrieval involved either rigid use of a landmark or flexible use of a target building in a novel context.

Main Results:

Greater activation in posterior superior parietal cortex and precuneus was observed during rigid allocentric retrieval compared to flexible retrieval.
Hippocampal activation showed a linear decrease across blocks during flexible allocentric retrieval.
Functional connectivity analysis revealed significant interactions between the hippocampus and parietal areas during flexible retrieval.

Conclusions:

Posterior superior parietal cortex and precuneus are crucial for allocentric spatial representation.
The hippocampus and its interactions with parietal areas are vital for the flexible utilization of spatial representations.
Findings refine models of the neural basis of spatial navigation and memory flexibility.