Distorting the metric fabric of the cognitive map

Trends Cogn Sci. 2015 Jun;19(6):300-1. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2015.04.001. Epub 2015 Apr 13.

Abstract

Grid cells are neurons whose regularly spaced firing fields form apparently symmetric arrays, or grids, that are thought to collectively provide an environment-independent metric framework for the brain's cognitive map of space. However, two recent studies show that grids are naturally distorted, revealing greater local environment-specific effects than previously recognized.

Keywords: boundaries; entorhinal cortex; environment geometry; grid cells; place cells; spatial perception.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Entorhinal Cortex / cytology*
  • Environment*
  • Male
  • Neurons / cytology*
  • Orientation / physiology*
  • Space Perception / physiology*