Hippocampus

Definition

The hippocampus is a critical structure located in the brain's temporal lobe, playing a vital role in memory formation and spatial navigation. It is essential for converting short-term memories into long-term ones.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The hippocampus is part of the limbic system, which is involved in emotion and memory.
2. Damage to the hippocampus can result in anterograde amnesia, the inability to form new memories.
3. It is one of the first regions affected in Alzheimer's disease.
4. The hippocampus helps process spatial memory, which involves navigating and understanding spatial environments.
5. Neurogenesis, or the creation of new neurons, occurs in the hippocampus throughout life.

Review Questions

• What role does the hippocampus play in memory?
• How does damage to the hippocampus affect memory formation?
• What is neurogenesis and where does it occur in the brain?

Related terms

Limbic System: A group of interconnected structures that regulate emotions, behavior, and certain aspects of memory.

Alzheimer's Disease: A progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory and cognitive function.

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