Brain networks underlying episodic memory retrieval

The importance of the medial temporal lobe to episodic memory has been recognized for decades. Recent human fMRI findings have begun to delineate the functional roles of different MTL regions, most notably the hippocampus, for the retrieval of episodic memories. Importantly, these studies have also identified a network of cortical regions - each interconnected with the MTL - that are also consistently engaged during successful episodic retrieval. Along with the MTL these regions appear to constitute a content-independent network that acts in concert with cortical regions representing the contents of retrieval to support consciously accessible representations of prior experiences.

► Recollection depends on a content-insensitive network centered on the hippocampus. ► The recollection network comprises both medial temporal and neocortical regions. ► The network interacts with cortical regions that represent retrieved content.