The brain is the most complex organ that human beings have. It is made up of infinite parts and its correct operation is essential for our daily life. The hippocampus is one of those parts. It has shape of Seahorse and it is involved in a multitude of processes, which is why it is also the cause of many diseases. It is made up of different layers and has a plastic capacity, that is, parts of it could take on the functions of other parts of the brain that have been damaged.
If you want to know more exactly what what is the hippocampus, what is its function, its parts and what diseases they can be derived from an injury or malfunction of the same, continue reading this article of Psychology-Online.
Index
- What is the hippocampus
- Location of the hippocampus
- Parts of the hippocampus
- Functions of the hippocampus
- Hippocampal diseases
What is the hippocampus.
The hippocampus, hippocampus in English, it is a part of the cerebral cortex in which neurons condense. Specifically, it is part of the so-called archicortex, which was one of the first to appear in our evolutionary line. Has a
Location of the hippocampus.
As we have seen, the hippocampus is a structure of the brain, but where exactly is it located? This is found in an inner part of our brain, specifically in the gray matter of the temporal lobe and, therefore, is part of the limbic system. In the following image you can see exactly where the hippocampus is located.
Parts of the hippocampus.
Our brain has two hippocampi, one in each hemisphere. That is why we speak of the brain hippocampi. In this, what are known as "place cells" or "position cells" have been found. These increase the rate of fire when a person or animal is in a certain place so that the environment in which the person is is mentally represented.
A curious fact is that in the past it was believed that the hippocampus participated in the proper functioning of smell. It is believed that the only function it has with respect to smell is the memory of smells, although it is not entirely clear.
The hippocampus is a part of the hippocampal formation, which is divided into:
- Serrated turn
- Hippocampus
- Subiculum
In this article you will find more information about parts of the brain and their functions.
Functions of the hippocampus.
The hippocampus is responsible for several essential functions for humans:
Memory
What is the role of the hippocampus in memory? The hippocampus has a directory role for our memories. That is, it is not stored in it, however, it is responsible for the activation or deactivation of memories in our mind. Involved in the management of declarative memory, but not in the non-declarative one (in charge of movement patterns and manual skills).
In addition, it is in charge of consolidation of a memory or not. Depending on the emotions produced by a memory or by learning, the hippocampus enables it to be permanently inserted into our memory or not.
Spatial functions
The hippocampus intervenes in our perception of space. That is, it participates in the way we see the size of objects and the distance and position in which they are.
Hippocampal diseases.
Due to its important role in memory, injury to the hippocampus can cause serious problems this. There are various ways in which the hippocampus is damaged, for example hypoxia, encephalitis, or epilepsy in the temporal lobe. Injuries can make it difficult for a person to acquire or retain new memories, meaning amnesia.
- For example, in the Alzheimer disease the hippocampus is one of the first areas to be damaged. For this reason, memory and orientation problems are the first to appear.
- On the other hand, the hippocampus has innumerable mineralocorticoid receptors so steroids related to stress can damage it by causing its neurons to lose their functions and atrophy. This can also occur in situations of posttraumatic stress severe as is the case with Holocaust survivors.
- In the case of schizophrenia one of the hypothetical causes is believed to be damage to the hippocampus. This is because it has been seen that in subjects with schizophrenia the size of the hippocampus was smaller. These changes were also seen in subjects who were not medicated. It is also believed that it could be related to the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia and the long-term memory problems associated with the disease.
- A relationship has also been seen between damage to the hippocampus and some hyperactive individuals, as well as an increase in the feeling of anxiety due to the fact that it prevents the inhibition of some physical and physiological responses.
This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to What is the hippocampus and what is its function?, we recommend that you enter our category of Neuropsychology.
Bibliography
- Apostolova, L. G., Zarow, C., Biado, K., Hurtz, S., Boccardi, M., Somme, J.,... & Watson, C. (2015). Relationship between hippocampal atrophy and neuropathology markers: A 7T MRI validation study of the EADC-ADNI Harmonized Hippocampal Segmentation Protocol. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 11(2), 139-150.
- López-Pousa S., Vilalta Franch J., Llinàs Reglà J. (2002). Dementia Manual, 2nd Edition. Prous Science, Barcelona.
- Martínez Lage J.M., Láinez Andrés J.M. (2000). Alzheimer's: theory and practice. Ediciones medical classroom, Madrid.
