Intermixing forms of memory processing within the functional organization of the medial temporal lobe memory system

Abstract Voss et al. discuss evidence indicating an intermixing of implicit and explicit memory processing, and of familiarity and recollection, in tests of memory. Here I support this view, and add that the anatomy of cortical-medial temporal lobe pathways indicates a hierarchical and bidirectional functional organization of memory in which implicit memory processing contributes to familiarity, and implicit memory and familiarity processing inherently contribute to recollection. Rather than look for new ways to separate these processes, it may be as important to understand how they are integrated.