The Medial Temporal Lobe Memory System

DOI Web Site 50 Citations
  • Larry R. Squire
    Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Diego, CA 92161 and in the Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92039.
  • Stuart Zola-Morgan
    Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Diego, CA 92161 and in the Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92039.

Abstract

<jats:p>Studies of human amnesia and studies of an animal model of human amnesia in the monkey have identified the anatomical components of the brain system for memory in the medial temporal lobe and have illuminated its function. This neural system consists of the hippocampus and adjacent, anatomically related cortex, including entorhinal, perirhinal, and parahippocampal cortices. These structures, presumably by virtue of their widespread and reciprocal connections with neocortex, are essential for establishing long-term memory for facts and events (declarative memory). The medial temporal lobe memory system is needed to bind together the distributed storage sites in neocortex that represent a whole memory. However, the role of this system is only temporary. As time passes after learning, memory stored in neocortex gradually becomes independent of medial temporal lobe structures.</jats:p>

Journal

  • Science

    Science 253 (5026), 1380-1386, 1991-09-20

    American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

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