Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 10, 2026
13:34
Assessment of Memory Function in Pilocarpine-induced Epileptic Mice
Published on: June 4, 2020
9.0K
Cortico-hippocampal systems involved in memory and cognition: the PMAT framework
Maureen Ritchey1, Laura A Libby1, Charan Ranganath2
1Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
Progress in Brain Research
|June 15, 2015
Summary
The hippocampus connects to two brain systems: posterior medial (PM) and anterior temporal (AT). These systems process context and item information, respectively, and interact for memory.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- The medial temporal lobe (MTL) is crucial for memory.
- Existing models often focus narrowly on MTL structures.
- Cortical connectivity to the hippocampus is complex and not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for two large-scale cortical systems projecting to the hippocampus.
- To introduce the posterior medial (PM) and anterior temporal (AT) systems framework.
- To explain how this framework accounts for functional differences in MTL connectivity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing neuroscientific literature and evidence.
- Analysis of anatomical and functional connectivity data.
- Synthesis of findings on cognitive domain contributions.
Main Results:
- Cortical pathways to the hippocampus originate from distinct PM and AT systems.
- The PM system (parahippocampal, retrosplenial cortex) is linked to context processing.
- The AT system (perirhinal cortex) is linked to item processing.
- Interaction between PM and AT systems, potentially mediated by hippocampus and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, is vital for memory.
Conclusions:
- The "connected hippocampus" involves large-scale cortical networks beyond the MTL.
- The PMAT framework provides a new perspective on MTL functional organization.
- Distinct contributions of PM and AT systems are essential for memory-guided behavior.
Keywords:
Default networkEpisodic memoryFunctional connectivityMedial temporal lobesParahippocampal cortexPerirhinal cortexRetrosplenial cortexMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:14Role of Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex in Memory
1.5K
The cerebellum, while traditionally associated with motor control, also plays a crucial role in memory, particularly in procedural memory, which involves learning motor tasks that become automatic through repetition. For example, studies have shown that when the cerebellum is damaged, individuals or animals lose the ability to learn conditioned motor responses, such as the conditioned eye-blink response in classical conditioning experiments with rabbits. This study demonstrates the...
1.5K
01:19Role of Hippocampus in Memory
2.1K
The hippocampus, a critical brain structure, plays an essential role in memory processing, particularly in the formation and retrieval of memory. This small, seahorse-shaped region is located within the medial temporal lobe, with one hippocampus in each brain hemisphere. Experimental studies involving lesions in the hippocampi of rats have demonstrated significant impairments in tasks such as object recognition and maze navigation, indicating the hippocampus involvement in both recognition and...
2.1K
01:15Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System
9.3K
The limbic system, often called the "emotional brain," is a complex set of structures located deep within the brain. The intricate network of the limbic system supports a wide range of psychological functions, from emotional regulation to memory formation and sensory processing. This functional brain region encompasses specific parts of the diencephalon and the cerebrum, integrating the higher mental functions of the cerebral cortex with the primitive emotional responses of the deep brain...
9.3K
01:23Storage
495
A schema is a mental framework that helps individuals organize and interpret information. Schemata, formed from previous experiences, influence how we process new information: how we encode it, the inferences we make, and how we retrieve it. For instance, a schema for what a typical classroom looks like might include desks, a teacher's desk, a whiteboard, and students in such an environment. This expectation helps us quickly understand and navigate new classrooms without needing to analyze...
495
01:26Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory
2.3K
Memory is one of the most vital higher mental functions of the brain. Memory is closely related to learning because it enables us to retain information and experiences from our past to use them in our present life. It also helps us to remember facts, events, and skills, such as riding a bike or swimming. There are two types of memory — declarative memory, which involves memorizing facts or events, and procedural memory, which enables us to remember how to do something like writing or...
2.3K
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
10.7K
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
10.7K