The Medial Temporal Lobe and Memory

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the role of medial temporal lobe (MTL) structures-the hippocampus and surrounding parahippocampal, perirhinal, and entorhinal cortices-in memory processing and representation. Particularly, bilateral damage to the MTL leads to impairments in declarative memory, long-term memory for general facts (semantic memory) and specific events (episodic memory). The MTL circuit is central to declarative memory, including the encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of episodic memories. The chapter focuses on the role of the MTL in episodic memory, first considering the relevant aspects of MTL anatomy and then considering neuropsychological and neuroimaging data in humans to understand the role of MTL in supporting memory for events. The chapter also illustrates neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies of human MTL that provides advanced understanding of the working of MTL in building memories of our daily experiences and subsequently, the retrieval of these memories to inform future goal-directed behavior. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.