David Smith
Professor, Cornell University Ensemble Coding of Spatial-Contextual Memory in the Retrosplenial Cortex The retrosplenial cortex (RSC) plays a key role in spatial and contextual memory, as shown by lesion and fMRI studies. However, surprisingly little is known about spatial and contextual representations in the RSC or how such representations might emerge as a result of experience. In a series of neurophysiology studies using rodents, we have found that the RSC develops a rich population-level representation of the one's spatial location, the goal locations, and trajectories to the goal. In addition to the one’s current location, RSC ensembles also simulate upcoming goal locations as the one approaches the choice point of a maze. RSC neurons also produce distinct representations of environmental and temporal contexts. Many of these representations emerge slowly with learning, suggesting that the RSC encodes long-term spatial and contextual memories. This lecture is made possible in part by a generous Endowment by the family of Allen. L. Edwards. |