Effect of Lesions of the Retrosplenial Cortex on Spatial Tasks in the Rat

Abstract

The retrosplenial cortex is a brain area extending to the most caudal part of the medial parietal area around the corpus callosum. The human retrosplenial cortex is thought to be involved in a variety of cognitive functions such as navigation and episodic memory. In rodents, the retrosplenial cortex has connections to other brain regions crucial for processing spatial information. The role of the retrosplenial cortex in spatial problem-solving has been examined by using various spatial tasks. We reviewed studies on the role of the retrosplenial cortex in spatial tasks by focusing on lesion studies of rats and discussed its functions. Based on the review, we suggest that the retrosplenial cortex is involved in processing spatial information, especially spatial memory, utilization of allocentric cues, and integrating and switching cue use for spatial problem-solving.