Hemispheric encoding/retrieval asymmetry in episodic memory:

Data are reviewed from positron emission tomography studies of encoding and retrieval processes in episodic memory. These data suggest a hemispheric encod- ing/retrieval asymmetry model of prefrontal involvement in encoding and retrieval of episodic memory. According to this model, the left and right prefrontal lobes are part of an extensive neuronal network that subserves episodic remember- ing, but the two prefrontal hemispheres play different roles. Left prefrontal cortical regions are differentially more involved in retrieval of information from semantic memory and in simultaneously encoding novel aspects of the retrieved infor- mation into episodic memory. Right prefrontal cortical re- gions, on the other hand, are differentially more involved in episodic memory retrieval.