Re-evaluating human MTL in working memory: insights from intracranial recordings

Trends Cogn Sci. 2024 Dec;28(12):1132-1144. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2024.07.008. Epub 2024 Aug 21.

Abstract

The study of human working memory (WM) holds significant importance in neuroscience; yet, exploring the role of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) in WM has been limited by the technological constraints of noninvasive methods. Recent advancements in human intracranial neural recordings have indicated the involvement of the MTL in WM processes. These recordings show that different regions of the MTL are involved in distinct aspects of WM processing and also dynamically interact with each other and the broader brain network. These findings support incorporating the MTL into models of the neural basis of WM. This integration can better reflect the complex neural mechanisms underlying WM and enhance our understanding of WM's flexibility, adaptability, and precision.

Keywords: functional specialization; inter-regional interaction; intracranial EEG (iEEG); medial temporal lobe (MTL); single-neuron activity (SUA); working memory (WM).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Electrocorticography
  • Humans
  • Memory, Short-Term* / physiology
  • Temporal Lobe* / physiology