Hippocampus

Definition

The hippocampus is a small, curved formation in the brain that plays a crucial role in memory formation and spatial navigation. It is part of the limbic system and is located in the medial temporal lobe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The hippocampus is essential for converting short-term memories into long-term memories.
2. It is one of the first regions affected in Alzheimer's disease, leading to memory loss.
3. The hippocampus has a high density of glucocorticoid receptors, making it sensitive to stress.
4. Neurogenesis, or the creation of new neurons, occurs in the hippocampus even in adulthood.
5. Damage to the hippocampus can result in anterograde amnesia, which is the inability to form new memories.

Review Questions

• What role does the hippocampus play in memory?
• How does damage to the hippocampus affect an individual's ability to form new memories?
• Why is the hippocampus significant in studies related to stress?

Related terms

limbic system: A group of interconnected structures in the brain involved in emotions, motivation, and memory.

amygdala: An almond-shaped set of neurons that processes emotions such as fear and pleasure.

neurogenesis: The process by which new neurons are formed in the brain.