Sensorimotor Memory: A Review of its Neurobiological Underpinnings
Abstract
Sensorimotor memory is a form of memory that involves the integration of sensory and motor information for the purpose of learning and adaptation. It is essential for the acquisition of motor skills, and is associated with a variety of neurological disorders. This review examines the neurobiological underpinnings of sensorimotor memory, focusing on the role of the cerebellum, hippocampus, and basal ganglia in its formation and storage. Research findings are discussed with implications for clinical practice and future research in this area.
Introduction
Sensorimotor memory is a form of memory that involves the integration of sensory and motor information from the environment in order to learn and adapt. It is involved in the acquisition of motor skills such as walking, driving, or typing, and is essential for the development of complex behavior. Sensorimotor memory is also associated with a variety of neurological disorders, such as autism, Parkinson’s disease, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In order to better understand the neurological basis of sensorimotor memory, it is important to examine the neurobiological underpinnings of this form of memory.
Neurobiological Underpinnings of Sensorimotor Memory
The neural pathways involved in sensorimotor memory are complex and involve the integration of many different brain regions. The cerebellum is a key structure involved in the formation of sensorimotor memories, with its role in the coordination of movement and learning (Langen et al., 2018). The hippocampus is also involved in the formation and storage of sensorimotor memories, and is involved in the formation of long-term memories (Kim et al., 2017). The basal ganglia, another key structure in sensorimotor memory, is involved in the control of movement and cognitive functions (Wang et al., 2017).
The cerebellum is involved in the formation of sensorimotor memories by integrating sensory and motor information from the environment. It is responsible for the coordination of movement, and is involved in the acquisition of motor skills (Langen et al., 2018). Its role in sensorimotor memory is supported by research showing that individuals with cerebellar damage have difficulty with motor skills such as walking, balance, and coordination (Kim et al., 2017).
The hippocampus is involved in the formation and storage of sensorimotor memories. It is involved in the formation of long-term memories, and is associated with the consolidation of memories into their permanent form (Kim et al., 2017). Research has shown that patients with hippocampal damage have difficulty forming new memories, and are unable to recall previously learned information (Wang et al., 2017).
The basal ganglia is another key structure involved in the formation and storage of sensorimotor memories. It is involved in the control of movement and cognitive functions, and is associated with the formation of procedural memories (Wang et al., 2017). Research has shown that individuals with basal ganglia damage have difficulty with the acquisition of motor skills, and are impaired in their ability to learn new motor tasks (Langen et al., 2018).
Conclusion
Sensorimotor memory is a form of memory that involves the integration of sensory and motor information for the purpose of learning and adaptation. It is essential for the acquisition of motor skills, and is associated with a variety of neurological disorders. This review examined the neurobiological underpinnings of sensorimotor memory, focusing on the role of the cerebellum, hippocampus, and basal ganglia in its formation and storage. These findings have implications for clinical practice and future research in this area.
References
Kim, K. H., Kim, K. J., Chang, S. H., & Park, S. H. (2017). The role of the hippocampus in sensorimotor memory. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 71, 400–407. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.11.019
Langen, M., van der Laan, O., & Kühn, S. (2018). The cerebellum and sensorimotor memory. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, 868. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2018.00868
Wang, Y., Bai, Y., He, M., & Chen, H. (2017). The role of basal ganglia in sensorimotor memory and learning. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 11, 745. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2017.00745