Part 3/10:
What makes the hippocampus particularly intriguing is its dual function. During waking times, it works tirelessly, cataloging experiences and mapping their order. However, during sleep, when external sensory input decreases, it shifts into a different mode, replaying specific experiences from the day. This replay is characterized by sharp wave ripples, creating a synaptic ‘tidal wave’ that stimulates the activation of neurons.
These sharp waves combine with inhibitory mechanisms within the brain to create a competition among different memory patterns. The interplay between excitation and inhibition establishes brief windows of opportunity allowing only selected groups of neurons to activate, facilitating memory retrieval.