Symposium: Neurophysiological Bases of Memory, Consciousness, and Interoception in Humans: From the Neuron to Neural Networks

This symposium session features a series of talks presenting recent studies on the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying memory, auditory perception, consciousness, and interoception, approached from the activity of individual neurons to the functioning of broader neural networks. Findings are presented on the processes involved in the encoding and retrieval of episodic memories, highlighting the role of specialized neurons in the representation of concepts. Additionally, the panel explores auditory prediction mechanisms that enable the anticipation and processing of sound stimuli, which are essential for the perception of language and music. The role of interoception in the construction of consciousness is also examined, particularly in patients with epilepsy. The discussion includes how neuronal activity influences internal bodily perception and the continuity of subjective experience. Within this context, recent advances in the precise localization of epileptogenic zones through intracerebral recordings are detailed, along with their relationship to cognitive functions relevant for planning surgical interventions. Through neurophysiological studies, neuroimaging techniques, and computational models, this panel offers an integrated view of the relationship between brain activity and conscious experience.