Cortical dynamics of memory

Memory networks are formed in the cerebral cortex by associative processes, following Hebbian principles of synaptic modulation. Sensory and motor mem ory networks are made of elementary representations in cell assemblies of p rimary sensory and motor cortex (phyletic memory). Higher-order individual memories, e.g. episodic, semantic, conceptual - are represented in hierarch ically organized neuronal networks of the cortex of association. Perceptual memories are organized in posterior (post-rolandic) cortex, motor (executi ve) memories in cortex of the frontal lobe. Memory networks overlap and int eract profusely with one another, such that a cellular assembly can be part of many memories or networks. Working memory essentially consists in the t emporary activation of a memory network, as needed for the execution of suc cessive acts in a temporal structure of behavior. That activation of the ne twork is maintained by recurrent excitation through reentrant circuits. The recurrent reentry may occur within local circuits as well as between separ ate cortical areas. In either case. recurrence binds together the associate d components of the network and thus of the memory it represents. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.