Hippocampus

Hippocampus is a major component of the brain in humans and other vertebrates. It belongs to the limbic system and plays important roles in the consolidation of information from short-term memory to long-term memory, and in spatial memory that enables navigation.

Anatomy

The hippocampus is located in the medial temporal lobe of the brain, underneath the cortical surface. It contains two main interlocking parts: Ammon's horn and the dentate gyrus.

Ammon's Horn

Ammon's horn, also known as the cornu ammonis, is divided into four fields: CA1, CA2, CA3, and CA4. Each field has different properties and connections, which contribute to the functional diversity of the hippocampus.

Dentate Gyrus

The dentate gyrus is a part of the hippocampal formation. It is thought to contribute to the formation of new episodic memories, the spontaneous exploration of novel environments, and other functions.

Function

The hippocampus has several functions in the brain, including:

• Memory Formation: The hippocampus is critical for the formation of new memories. Damage to the hippocampus can result in severe memory impairment.

• Spatial Navigation: The hippocampus contains "place cells" that fire when an individual is in a specific location. This is thought to contribute to an individual's ability to navigate through space.

• Stress Regulation: The hippocampus is involved in the regulation of the body's response to stress. It is particularly sensitive to stress hormones like cortisol.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the hippocampus can result in memory loss and difficulties with spatial navigation. Conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy often involve hippocampal damage and dysfunction.

See Also

• Neuroanatomy
• Memory
• Alzheimer's disease
• Epilepsy

References

Hippocampus Resources
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