The role of the Angular Gyrus in the Elaboration of Specific and Categoric Memories

Abstract

This study investigated the role of the angular gyrus (AG) and its subregions in the elaboration of specific and categoric autobiographical memories (AMs). Using a cue-word fMRI paradigm, thirty-nine participants retrieved and elaborated on episodic (specific) and semantic (categoric) memories, rating the amount of detail of each recollection. Parametric analyses revealed that AG activity, particularly in posterior AG, was positively associated with the amount of detail retrieved, regardless of memory type. Specific memories elicited greater activation in right AG subregions compared to categoric memories. These findings support the AGs involvement in both episodic and semantic memory retrieval and suggest functional differentiation between its subregions.