Parahippocampal gyrus

Parahippocampal gyrus is a significant structure located in the brain, specifically within the medial temporal lobe. It plays a crucial role in various cognitive processes, including memory encoding and retrieval, spatial memory, and navigation. The parahippocampal gyrus encompasses several important cortical areas, such as the entorhinal cortex, which is a primary interface between the hippocampus and neocortex.

Anatomy

The parahippocampal gyrus is situated on the medial aspect of the temporal lobe, wrapping around the hippocampus. It is bordered by the collateral sulcus laterally and the hippocampal sulcus medially. Anteriorly, it transitions into the perirhinal cortex and posteriorly into the lingual gyrus and occipitotemporal gyrus.

Function

The parahippocampal gyrus is involved in several key functions:

• Memory: It plays a vital role in the formation and retrieval of episodic and spatial memories.
• Spatial Navigation: It is implicated in the encoding of environmental layouts and spatial navigation.
• Visual Processing: The region is also involved in processing complex visual scenes and objects.

Clinical Significance

Damage or dysfunction in the parahippocampal gyrus can lead to various neurological and psychiatric conditions. It is notably involved in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease, where early degeneration can occur, leading to memory deficits. Additionally, it has been associated with conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, and temporal lobe epilepsy.

Research

Ongoing research aims to further elucidate the specific roles of the parahippocampal gyrus in memory and other cognitive functions. Advanced imaging techniques, such as functional MRI (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), are commonly used to study its structure and function in both healthy individuals and those with neurological conditions.

See Also

• Hippocampus
• Medial temporal lobe
• Memory
• Spatial memory
• Entorhinal cortex