Hippocampus

The hippocampus is a part of the brain located inside the temporal lobe (humans have two hippocampi, one in each side of the brain). It forms a part of the limbic system and plays a part in memory and navigation. The name derives from its curved shape, which supposedly resembles that of a seahorse (Greek: hippocampus).

Related Topics:
Brain - Temporal lobe - Limbic system - Memory - Navigation - Greek

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In Alzheimer's disease, the hippocampus becomes one of the first regions of the brain to suffer attack; memory problems and disorientation appear amongst the first symptoms. Damage to the hippocampus can also result from oxygen starvation (anoxia) and encephalitis.

Related Topics:
Alzheimer's disease - Anoxia - Encephalitis

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In the anatomy of animals, the hippocampus is among the phylogenetically oldest parts of the brain. The hippocampal emergence from the archipallium is most pronounced in primates and Cetacean sea mammals. Nonetheless, in primates, the hippocampus occupies less of the telencephalon in proportion to cerebral cortex among the youngest species, especially humans. The significant development of hippocampal volume in primates correlates more with overall increase of brain mass than with neocortical development.

Related Topics:
Anatomy - Animal - Phylogenetically - Archipallium - Primate - Cetacean - Telencephalon - Cerebral cortex - Human - Neocortical

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