Unpacking the cognitive map: the parallel map theory of hippocampal function.

Full Abstract

In the parallel map theory, the hippocampus encodes space with 2 mapping systems. The bearing map is constructed primarily in the dentate gyrus from directional cues such as stimulus gradients. The sketch map is constructed within the hippocampus proper from positional cues. The integrated map emerges when data from the bearing and sketch maps are combined. Because the component maps work in parallel, the impairment of one can reveal residual learning by the other. Such parallel function may explain paradoxes of spatial learning, such as learning after partial hippocampal lesions, taxonomic and sex differences in spatial learning, and the function of hippocampal neurogenesis. By integrating evidence from physiology to phylogeny, the parallel map theory offers a unified explanation for hippocampal function.

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Author information

Author/s: Jacobs, Lucia F (LF); Schenk, Françoise (F);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley 94720-1650, USA. squirrel(-atsign-)socrates.berkeley.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: Psychological review (Psychol Rev), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2003-Apr; vol 110 (issue 2) : pp 285-315

Dates: Created 2003/05/15; Completed 2003/06/18; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 12747525, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Animals
Cognition
Dentate Gyrus - physiology
Hippocampus - physiology
Humans

Humans
Psychological Theory
Rats
Space Perception - physiology
Spatial Behavior - physiology

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