HIPPOCAMPAL AND CORTICAL FUNCTION IN A MAZE DEVOID OF LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS

Rats previously trained on a three-cul ladder maze sustained bilateral hippocampal or cortical lesions and were subsequently tested for retention. Those groups showing defective retention suffered damage to either the dorsal hippocampus, occipital cortex, parietal cortex, or cingulate cortex. Excellent retention was observed in other groups following enucleation of the eyes or injuries to either the frontal cortex or olfactory bulbs. It is concluded that the hippocampus and the occipito-parieto-cingulate regions of the cerebral surface play a significant role in spatial tasks irrespective of horizontally or vertically oriented alternative pathways. © 1979.