Maguire_Study_Summary
MAGUIRE, E. A., GADIAN, D. G., JOHNSRUDE, I. S., GOOD, C. D., ASHBURNER, J., FRACKOWIAK, R.S. & FRITH, C. D.
(2000) Navigation-Related Structural Changes in the Hippocampi of Taxi Drivers.
Background Information
The hippocampus is a brain structure that is involved with memory, spatial awareness and navigation.
For memory, the hippocampus is linked to the conversion of information from short-term memory to more permanent memory.
From studying a man known as HM, we know that the impact of a damaged hippocampus is that memories from the past are retained, but new memories are not stored. For example a person may not remember having breakfast, remember a conversation they have just had, or even lose track of what is being said before the other person finishes talking. They will however, be able to remember things from their past. Usually these memories will have been processed before the hippocampus became damaged. The hippocampus also connects memories together which helps give them their meaning.
Hippocampus and Navigation
Neuroscientists know that the hippocampus is involved in spatial memory, but it also seems particularly important in navigation. Small mammals and birds that rely heavily on navigational skills have larger hippocampi relative to thei r brain and body size than animals that rely less on navigational skills. It seems that because they are using this skill more, they need the brain structure that deals with this to be more developed. It has also been shown that the hippocampus can increase in size when it is needed. Animals and birds have a greater hippocampal volume during seasons when navigational skills are more important, such as in food storing behaviour and migration.
Studies on rats have shown that neurons in the hippocampus have spatial firing cells called place cells, which fire when the animal finds itself in a particular location. Place cells have also been found in humans involved in finding their way
around
(2000) Navigation-Related Structural Changes in the Hippocampi of Taxi Drivers.
Background Information
The hippocampus is a brain structure that is involved with memory, spatial awareness and navigation.
For memory, the hippocampus is linked to the conversion of information from short-term memory to more permanent memory.
From studying a man known as HM, we know that the impact of a damaged hippocampus is that memories from the past are retained, but new memories are not stored. For example a person may not remember having breakfast, remember a conversation they have just had, or even lose track of what is being said before the other person finishes talking. They will however, be able to remember things from their past. Usually these memories will have been processed before the hippocampus became damaged. The hippocampus also connects memories together which helps give them their meaning.
Hippocampus and Navigation
Neuroscientists know that the hippocampus is involved in spatial memory, but it also seems particularly important in navigation. Small mammals and birds that rely heavily on navigational skills have larger hippocampi relative to thei r brain and body size than animals that rely less on navigational skills. It seems that because they are using this skill more, they need the brain structure that deals with this to be more developed. It has also been shown that the hippocampus can increase in size when it is needed. Animals and birds have a greater hippocampal volume during seasons when navigational skills are more important, such as in food storing behaviour and migration.
Studies on rats have shown that neurons in the hippocampus have spatial firing cells called place cells, which fire when the animal finds itself in a particular location. Place cells have also been found in humans involved in finding their way
around