Cited by 1,847Memory and Neural MechanismsSpatial Cognition and NavigationNeural dynamics and brain function

Memory, navigation and theta rhythm in the hippocampal-entorhinal system

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Buzsáki, György, Moser, Edvard I·2013·Nature Neuroscience

Abstract

Theories on the functions of the hippocampal system are based largely on two fundamental discoveries: the amnestic consequences of removing the hippocampus and associated structures in the famous patient H.M. and the observation that spiking activity of hippocampal neurons is associated with the spatial position of the rat. In the footsteps of these discoveries, many attempts were made to reconcile these seemingly disparate functions. Here we propose that mechanisms of memory and planning have evolved from mechanisms of navigation in the physical world and hypothesize that the neuronal algorithms underlying navigation in real and mental space are fundamentally the same. We review experimental data in support of this hypothesis and discuss how specific firing patterns and oscillatory dynamics in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus can support both navigation and memory.

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  • Theta oscillations are not necessary for the emergence of the place code but play a major role in organizing place cell activity into temporal sequences that map available space and episodic events.

    “Theta oscillations—although not necessary for the emergence of the place code21,22—play a major role in organizing place cell activity into temporal sequences that map the available space (and, similarly, episodic events4,23,24).”

    From Place and behavioral modulation of hippocampal neurons during immobility (2026) · cites this paper as [23]

    In “Challenges and questions” (page unavailable), the paper describes place and grid cells without apparent theta modulation, supporting the point that theta is not necessary for a place code. “The multiple-timescale organization of neuronal assemblies” describes theta-organized place-cell sequences representing past, current and future positions. For episodic events, however, “Temporal organization of exploration and episodic memory” says the authors *suggest* that theta-enabled assembly organization could support episodic recall; the claim presents that proposed role more definitively. (LLM, conf=0.82)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • In mammals, allocentric navigation involves an extended cortico-hippocampal network that conveys highly processed visual and multisensory information to hippocampal circuits for transformation into 'world-centered' relational spatial representations.

    “In mammals, allocentric navigation is thought to involve the operation of an extended cortico-hippocampal network that conveys highly processed visual and multisensory information to the hippocampal circuits for further processing and transformation into “world-centered” relational spatial representations [74,76,79,188,189,190,191,192].”

    From Spatial Cognition in Teleost Fish: Strategies and Mechanisms (2021) · cites this paper as [188]

    The Abstract describes allocentric navigation as using spatial relationships among landmarks, and ‘Allocentric maps and semantic memory’ describes entorhinal–hippocampal circuits representing spatial relationships. ‘Challenges and questions’ says the entorhinal cortex drives hippocampal circuits during navigation partly using external cues. Our copy does not establish the more specific claim that an extended cortical network conveys highly processed visual and multisensory information to those circuits. (LLM, conf=0.86)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • The observation that CA1 pyramidal cell activity is systematically biased by the animal's location supports the view that space is a fundamental dimension encoded within the hippocampal cognitive map.

    “This observation supports the view that space is a fundamental dimension encoded within the hippocampal cognitive map23,80.”
  • The hippocampus supports goal-directed learning and behaviour and also supports other advanced cognitive abilities that require prospection.

    “The ability of the hippocampus to support goal-directed learning and behaviour has been studied principally in spatial navigation (Buzsáki and Moser, 2013), but evidence suggests that this area also supports other advanced cognitive abilities that require prospection, such as imagination of fictive scenarios (Hassabis and Maguire, 2009).”

    From Active Inference, homeostatic regulation and adaptive behavioural control (2015) · cites this paper as Buzsáki and Moser, 2013

  • In some simple models, targeted navigation in the hippocampus is achieved via the dynamics of bump attractors or propagating waves in a place cell network with Hebbian plasticity and adaptation.

    “In some simple models, targeted navigation in the hippocampus is achieved via the dynamics of “bump attractors” or propagating waves in a place cell network with Hebbian plasticity and adaptation (Hopfield, 2009; Buzsáki and Moser, 2013; Ponulak and Hopfield, 2013)”

    From Toward an integration of deep learning and neuroscience (2016) · cites this paper as Buzsáki and Moser, 2013

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Authors
Buzsáki, G., & Moser, E. I.
Affiliations
  • New York University (US)
  • Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NO)
Corresponding author
Buzsáki, György
Venue
Nature Neuroscience
Published
2013-01-28
Volume
16
Issue
2
Pages
130-138
ISSN
  • 1097-6256 (ISSN-L)
  • 1546-1726
OpenAlex
W2072843066
Cited by
1,847
References
102
Citations by year
2026: 126 · 2025: 159 · 2024: 174 · 2023: 176 · 2022: 175 · 2021: 152 · 2020: 137 · 2019: 141 · 2018: 142 · 2017: 114 · 2016: 120 · 2015: 97 · 2014: 80 · 2013: 48 · 2012: 1
FWCI
9.86
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Nature Neuroscience (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH054671, MH54671)
  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NS074015, R01NS034994, R01NS074015, NS-34994)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Automotive Engineering › Spatial Cognition and Navigation
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
Keywords
hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, spatial memory, spatial navigation, theta oscillations, planning, hippocampal oscillations
MeSH terms
Animals, Hippocampus, Humans, Memory, Models, Neurological, Neural Pathways, Neurons, Space Perception, Spatial Behavior, Theta Rhythm, Entorhinal Cortex

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