On the other hand, the dentate granule cells project to the CA3 pyramidal cells through the mossy fibers. CA3 pyramidal cells send fibers through the Schaffer collaterals to the CA1 pyramidal cells and subsequently to the subiculum. These cells are highly organized with extensive dendritic trees and synapses. Widespread recurrent collateral connectivity is observed in CA3 network. It seems that each CA3 cell can transmit information to every other CA3 cells within 2-3 synaptic steps.
Autoassociative memory is a powerful experience.
In response to a small cue, which can be as trivial as an odor, we can selectively retrieve a specific set of memories quickly. Such an experience apparently coincides with a speific distribution of firing activity from amony serveral stored on the same synaptic strengths. Evidently, the architecture of the network must be designed in favor of fast information retrieval from multiple locations. In addition, there must be a flexible mechanism that would allow new information to be added without losing old memories completely. During learning, synaptic connections in the hippocampus are modified.