Parietal lobe contributions to episodic memory retrieval.
Although the parietal lobe is not traditionally thought to support declarative memory, recent event-related fMRI studies of episodic retrieval have consistently revealed a range of memory-related influences on activation in lateral posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and precuneus extending into posterior cingulate and retrosplenial cortex. This article surveys the fMRI literature on PPC activation during remembering, a literature that complements earlier electroencephalography data. We consider these recent memory-related fMRI responses within the context of classical ideas about parietal function that emphasize space-based attention and motor intention. We conclude by proposing three hypotheses concerning how parietal cortex might contribute to memory.
Wagner
Anthony D
AD
Department of Psychology and Neurosciences Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. wagner@psych.stanford.edu
Shannon
Benjamin J
BJ
Kahn
Itamar
I
Buckner
Randy L
RL
D001931:Brain Mapping; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology*; D010296:Parietal Lobe / Q000098:blood supply / Q000502:physiology*; D021641:Recognition, Psychology / Q000502:physiology*