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Cited by 871Memory and Neural MechanismsMemory Processes and InfluencesNeural dynamics and brain function

The hippocampal memory indexing theory.

Teyler, Timothy J., DiScenna, Pascal·1986·Behavioral Neuroscience
DOI 10.1037/0735-7044.100.2.147
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Abstract

The hippocampal formation (comprising the hippocampus proper, the dentate gyrus, and the subiculum) has been repeatedly implicated in information storage models of the mammalian brain. The precise nature of the hippocampal role in the storage of information has, however, remained elusive. Here it is proposed that the role of the hippocampus is to form and retain an index of neocortical areas activated by experiential events. The hippocampal index, thus, represents those unique cortical regions activated by specific events. The neuronal mechanism underlying the memory index is hypothesized to be long-term potentiation. It is asserted that the reactivation of the stored hippocampal memory index will serve to also reactivate the associated unique array of neocortical areas and thus will result in a memorial experience. This hippocampal reactivation of a neocortical array may also be involved in establishing a cortically based memory trace.

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Crossref · 10.1037/0735-7044.100.2.147

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  • Different theories on the role of the hippocampus in memory processing have in common the idea that the hippocampus generates a higher-order representation of the contextual components of a learning experience.

    “Thus, the different theories on the role of the hippocampus in memory processing have in common the idea that the hippocampus generates a higher-order representation of the contextual components of a learning experience (Teyler and DiScenna [308]; Eichenbaum [309]; O'Reilly and Rudy [306]; Brassen et al. [310]).”

    From The Temporal Dynamics Model of Emotional Memory Processing: A Synthesis on the Neurobiological Basis of Stress-Induced Amnesia, Flashbulb and Traumatic Memories, and the Yerkes-Dodson Law (2007) · cites this paper as Teyler and DiScenna [308]

  • Teyler and Discenna propose that human long-term memory relies on interactions between the neocortex and the hippocampus.

    “Teyler and Discenna [75] propose that human long-term memory is composed of three components that work together to accomplish two main objectives: pattern separation , which ensures that the representations of distinct perceptual experiences are unique, and pattern completion , which enables the retrieval of complete memories from partial stimuli [19, 76].”

    From HippoRAG: Neurobiologically Inspired Long-Term Memory for Large Language Models (2024) · cites this paper as [75]

  • Hippocampal memory indexing theory is a well-established theory of human long-term memory.

    “The hippocampal memory indexing theory [75] is a well-established theory that provides a functional description of the components and circuitry involved in human long-term memory.”

    From HippoRAG: Neurobiologically Inspired Long-Term Memory for Large Language Models (2024) · cites this paper as [75]

  • New information can be integrated by changing only the hippocampal index instead of updating neocortical representations.

    “Thus, this complex process allows for new information to be integrated by changing only the hippocampal index instead of updating neocortical representations.”

    From HippoRAG: Neurobiologically Inspired Long-Term Memory for Large Language Models (2024) · cites this paper as [75]

  • Pattern separation is primarily accomplished in the memory encoding process, which starts with the neocortex receiving and processing perceptual stimuli into features routed through the parahippocampal regions to be indexed by the hippocampus.

    “The theory suggests that pattern separation is primarily accomplished in the memory encoding process, which starts with the neocortex receiving and processing perceptual stimuli into more easily manipulatable, likely higher-level, features, which are then routed through the parahippocampal regions (PHR) to be indexed by the hippocampus.”

    From HippoRAG: Neurobiologically Inspired Long-Term Memory for Large Language Models (2024) · cites this paper as [75]

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Authors
Teyler, T. J., & DiScenna, P.
Venue
Behavioral Neuroscience
Publisher
American Psychological Association (APA)
Published
1986
Volume
100
Issue
2
Pages
147-154
ISSN
  • 0735-7044 (ISSN-L)
  • 1939-0084
DOI
10.1037/0735-7044.100.2.147
OpenAlex
W4238424379
Cited by
871
References
2
Citations by year
2026: 32 · 2025: 43 · 2024: 73 · 2023: 35 · 2022: 28 · 2021: 34 · 2020: 38 · 2019: 54 · 2018: 31 · 2017: 26 · 2016: 20 · 2015: 10 · 2014: 30 · 2013: 17 · 2012: 11
FWCI
8.11
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Behavioral Neuroscience (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NS 16507)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
Keywords
hippocampus, memory retrieval
MeSH terms
Animals, Association, Brain Mapping, Cats, Cerebral Cortex, Hippocampus, Humans, Limbic System, Memory, Models, Neurological, Neural Pathways, Synaptic Transmission, Psychophysics, Rabbits, Rats

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