Neurophysiology of visuo-spatial working memory.

In the recent years working memory research has experienced a great development. The purpose of the present study is to report the most relevant data about working memory function and physiology, Specifically, the works reviewed below attempt to determine the nature of visuo-spatial component of working memory. To this end, both primate and human studies have been considered, with special attention to clinical samples. In summary, all these data indicate that visuo-spatial working memory engages a net of different cortical areas (e.g. prefrontal cortex, parietotemporal and parietooccipital areas). Furthermore, all these anatomical areas are close or coincident those which codify the sensory characteristics of the stimulus. Finally, it must be emphasised the importance of keeping a close relationship between experimental research and clinical application.