Interactions between the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala support complex learning and memory

Ersin Yavas; Sarah Gonzalez; Michael S Fanselow

doi:10.12688/f1000research.19317.1

Interactions between the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala support complex learning and memory

F1000Res. 2019 Jul 31:8:F1000 Faculty Rev-1292. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.19317.1. eCollection 2019.

Authors

Ersin Yavas¹, Sarah Gonzalez¹, Michael S Fanselow^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
² Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.

Abstract

One of the guiding principles of memory research in the preceding decades is multiple memory systems theory, which links specific task demands to specific anatomical structures and circuits that are thought to act orthogonally with respect to each other. We argue that this view does not capture the nature of learning and memory when any degree of complexity is introduced. In most situations, memory requires interactions between these circuits and they can act in a facilitative manner to generate adaptive behavior.

Keywords: amygdala; fear; hippocampus; learning; prefrontal cortex.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Review

MeSH terms

Amygdala / physiology*
Hippocampus / physiology*
Humans
Learning*
Memory*
Prefrontal Cortex / physiology*

Grants and funding

This work was supported by National Institute of Mental Health grant RO1MH62122, National Science Foundation Division of Graduate Education grant 1650604, and the Staglin Center for Brain and Behavioral Health.