It is mediated by the more recently developed part of the hippocampus, CA1 and Subiculum. The coactivation of these two independent systems forms a working cognitive map. This consolidates associations between directional and local information for an extrahippocampal long-term spatial memory. Our model leads to several predictions. Some of these predictions are to be tested in ad hoc experimental designs currently under examination.
Hippocampal anatomy is consistent with two independent channels, corresponding to the two maps.
The shape of the experimental arena and the type of landmarks available will determine which map can be produced. Both maps will be active when the HPF has access to a full complement of spatial cues. Damage to one map will reveal residual spatial learning by the other map. The degree of neural plasticity is adapted to the function of each map. The alpha-1B knockout mice were faster to emerge than their littermate controls.