ABSTRACT
This chapter is devoted to a discussion of the functional blocks underlying learned responses followed by a discussion of the implications of these functional blocks on the locus of the engram. It discusses the functional significance of a number of brain systems which is identified by the lesion method that are presumed to play a role in the maintenance of certain previously learned, goal-directed responses in the rat. This functional block is envisioned to consist of the occipital cortex, hippocampal formation, septofornix area, and mammillary bodies. It is well established that both the hippocampal formation and the septal area send projections to the mammillary bodies and that the septal area and hippocampal formation are richly interconnected. The functional block was first recognized in a lesion study dealing with the performance of a three-cul maze habit. Most areas of the brain were canvassed with lesions after thirsty rats were trained on at least two latch-box tasks to obtain water.
