sharp-wave ripple
Also written as: SPW-R — Sharp-Wave Ripple
A high-frequency oscillatory event in the hippocampus associated with memory consolidation during rest and sleep.
Full Definition
Sharp-wave ripples (SPW-Rs) are brief, high-amplitude events consisting of a sharp wave (10-30 Hz) with superimposed fast ripple oscillations (80-200 Hz) that occur in the hippocampus during immobility and slow-wave sleep. These events coordinate the replay of previously experienced neuronal firing patterns, facilitating memory consolidation by transferring information from hippocampus to neocortex. SPW-Rs are considered crucial for declarative memory formation and are disrupted in various neurological conditions. They appear frequently in memory and sleep research literature.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as SPW-R; always hyphenate the full term.
In Context
- "Sharp-wave ripples increased in frequency following spatial learning sessions." — Memory consolidation study
- "Disrupted sharp-wave ripple patterns were observed in the Alzheimer's disease model." — Neurodegeneration research