hippocampusArticle Free Pass
hippocampus, region of the brain that is associated primarily with memory. The name hippocampus is derived from the Greek hippokampus (hippos, meaning “horse,” and kampos, meaning “sea monster”), since the structure’s shape resembles that of a sea horse. The hippocampus, which is located in the inner (medial) region of the temporal lobe, forms part of the limbic system, which is particularly important in producing emotion.
The hippocampus functions in establishing long-term memory and is influenced by stress. Small changes in the blood flow or oxygenation levels of this region of the brain can serve as quantifiable markers for the emotional recognition of and response to stress. In addition, some neurons in the hippocampus are continually being formed. Therefore the hippocampus is one of only a few regions of the brain that serve as a source for neural stem cells.
Individuals who suffer damage to the hippocampus experience significant memory loss, or amnesia. This condition is marked by an inability to create new long-term memories.
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