Mammillothalamic fasciculus

Mammillothalamic fasciculus is a part of the brain that plays a significant role in memory. It is a bundle of nerve fibers that connects the mammillary bodies to the anterior thalamic nuclei. This connection is crucial for the Papez circuit, which is involved in the control and expression of emotions.

Anatomy

The mammillothalamic fasciculus is located in the diencephalon, a part of the brain that includes the thalamus and hypothalamus. It originates from the mammillary bodies, which are two small round bodies located on the underside of the brain. From there, it travels through the subthalamus and ends in the anterior thalamic nuclei.

Function

The mammillothalamic fasciculus is involved in the transmission of information related to memory. It is a part of the Papez circuit, which is a major circuit of the limbic system. The limbic system is involved in the control of emotions, and the Papez circuit is thought to play a role in the expression of emotions.

Clinical significance

Damage to the mammillothalamic fasciculus can result in memory loss and other cognitive deficits. This is often seen in conditions such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which is associated with chronic alcohol abuse. In this condition, there is often atrophy of the mammillary bodies and damage to the mammillothalamic fasciculus.

See also

• Mammillary bodies
• Anterior thalamic nuclei
• Papez circuit
• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome