Organ
Hippocampus
Binding experiences into lasting memories
High-yield
Bilateral hippocampal damage can severely impair the formation of new declarative memories. Previously learned information and skills may be less affected, but preservation of every older memory is not guaranteed.
Overview
Within the medial temporal lobe, the hippocampal formation contains folded cortical tissue closely related to the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle. Its components include the hippocampus proper, dentate gyrus and subiculum. It interacts with widespread cortical and subcortical networks to encode experiences and spatial relationships. The fimbria–fornix pathway is an important connection, but it is not the only route into or out of this network.
Reference facts
- Location
- Medial temporal lobe, forming a prominence in the floor of the lateral ventricle's temporal horn
- Parts
- Hippocampal formation: dentate gyrus, hippocampus proper and subiculum. The CA fields are commonly labeled CA1–CA4; CA4 terminology overlaps with the dentate hilus in some classifications
- Blood supply
- Primarily hippocampal branches of the posterior cerebral artery, with anterior choroidal contributions that vary between individuals
- Relations
- Closely related to the parahippocampal region and uncus; axons collect in the alveus and fimbria before continuing into the fornix
- Function
- Encoding and consolidation of declarative memories, relational learning and spatial navigation within a wider memory network
Clinical correlation
Hippocampal neurons, especially those in CA1, are vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and ischemia, which can contribute to memory problems after cardiac arrest. Hippocampal sclerosis involves neuronal loss and gliosis and is an important finding in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the hippocampus located?
Medial temporal lobe, forming a prominence in the floor of the lateral ventricle's temporal horn.
What does the hippocampus do?
Encoding and consolidation of declarative memories, relational learning and spatial navigation within a wider memory network.
What are the parts of the hippocampus?
Hippocampal formation: dentate gyrus, hippocampus proper and subiculum. The CA fields are commonly labeled CA1–CA4; CA4 terminology overlaps with the dentate hilus in some classifications.
What is the blood supply of the hippocampus?
Primarily hippocampal branches of the posterior cerebral artery, with anterior choroidal contributions that vary between individuals.