Item

Abstract

Learning establishes associations between semantically related neuronal representations through use-dependent modifications of synaptic connections. The synaptic mechanisms underlying these modifications evaluate the temporal relations between the discharges of interconnected neurons. Thus, semantic relations among neuronal responses need to be encoded in temporal correlations. It is proposed that this is achieved in part by the propensity of recurrent networks to oscillate and to establish precise temporal relations among discharges by phase locking. Evidence is reviewed that suggests relations between the occurrence of coherent network oscillations and the formation of memories.