Models Of Path Integration In The Hippocampal Complex

Path integration is the process of summing up information about direction and distance traveled, in order to keep track of one's relative position. Path integration is hypothesized to be the basis for the formation of the "place code" the hippocampus uses to encode spatial memories. In this chapter, we discuss models of how the hippocampal system may implement path integration. First, we explain the relationship of path integration to the hippocampal system, compare path integration to other navigation strategies, and discuss evidence for its use in creating the place cell code. Then, we examine path integration models for the creation and updating of a place cell map representation. We compare two major classes of such models and discuss experimental tests of their predictions to date. Finally, we briefly discuss the role of associations between place cell activity and sensory information in resetting the path integrator systems upon visits to familiar locations and how those associations can modify the structure of the hippocampal map with experience.