Mammillary bodies

Mammillary bodies are a pair of small round bodies, located on the undersurface of the brain that form part of the limbic system. They are associated with the sense of smell and the ability to form new memories.

Anatomy

The mammillary bodies are part of the diencephalon, which is a collection of structures found between the brainstem and the cerebrum. They are located at the ends of the anterior arches of the fornix. Neuroanatomically, they are considered part of the hypothalamus.

Function

The mammillary bodies, by virtue of their connections with the amygdala, thalamus, and hypothalamus, are involved in the processing of recognition memory. They are primarily associated with memory and smell. Damage to the mammillary bodies due to diseases like Wernicke's encephalopathy can cause memory loss.

Clinical significance

Damage to the mammillary bodies can result in a range of memory disorders, including anterograde amnesia and Korsakoff's syndrome. These disorders are often associated with chronic alcohol abuse and thiamine deficiency.

See also

• Brain
• Limbic system
• Memory
• Wernicke's encephalopathy
• Korsakoff's syndrome

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