Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsStructureFunctionDiscovery/HistorySignificanceTesting RelevanceAssociated ConditionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Structure
Function
Discovery/History
Significance
Testing Relevance
Associated Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
The hippocampus is a seahorse-shaped structure in yourbrainthat is involved in memory and learning. It helps organize and store new memories and connects them to your emotions. This article will explain more about the hippocampus and its function.SEBASTIAN KAULITZKI / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty ImagesStructureThe hippocampus is a small structure that has the shape of a seahorse. It is located inside the brain’s temporal lobe, which is behind your ears. The hippocampus is part of the brain’slimbic systeminvolved in how you behave and respond emotionally.Hippocampal FormationFunctionThe main function of the hippocampus is to process and retrieve different types of memories. This includes:Spatial memories: These memories are related to navigation and pathways. You use spatial memory to learn a city map and how to get around.Declarative memories: These memories are related to facts and events. You use declarative memory to learn information for a test.Other functions that the hippocampus performs include:Consolidating memories while you sleepTurning short-term memories into long-term memoriesConnecting memories to emotions and sensationsHyperthymesia: More Than Just a Good MemoryDiscovery/HistoryThe hippocampus is considered one of the most studied structures in the human brain. Although the anatomy of the hippocampus was discovered four centuries ago, understanding its function took longer.In 1587, Giulio Cesare Aranzio (Arantius) described the anatomy of the hippocampus in a book. The first drawing of the hippocampus appeared in 1729. By the 1900s, researchers were starting to understand more of its function. Today, researchers are continuing to learn more about the brain and the full function of the hippocampus.SignificanceThe hippocampus has a significant role in the brain. Damage to this structure can cause learning and memory problems. Historical examples show the importance of the hippocampus and what happens if it is removed.When Henry Gustav Molaison had his hippocampus removed to treatepilepsy(a condition in which there are electrical disturbances in the brain) in 1953, he was no longer able to make new memories. He had anterogradeamnesia, which was the inability of his brain to form new memories after the surgery.Testing RelevanceYour doctor may check your hippocampus with:Memory screening testsMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI): detailed images taken using magnetic fieldsComputed tomography (CT) scan: a detailed computerized X-ray scanPositron emission tomography (PET scan): imaging that uses a radioactive tracer to look for cells that are activeAssociated ConditionsIt is possible for your hippocampus to be damaged and show the following symptoms:Memory lossConfusionProblems forming new memoriesProblems navigating or remembering directions and locationsProblems remembering wordsProblems memorizing new informationDiseases and injuries can affect the health of your brain. The following conditions can affect the hippocampus:Head traumaStressDepressionAmnesia: Loss of memoriesTraumatic brain injury (TBI): a blow to the head that causes severe injuryAlzheimer’s disease: a brain disorder that affects memory and thinkingEpilepsy: brain disorder that causes seizuresBipolar disorder: a mental condition that causes periods of extreme mania and depressionSchizophrenia: a mental condition that affects thinking, behavior, and feelingsSummaryThe hippocampus is a structure located inside your brain. It helps you process and retrieve memories. It is possible to damage the hippocampus through disease or injuries.A Word From VerywellWhen you are having problems with memory or learning, it can be tempting to ignore them and think they are temporary. Although some problems may go away on their own, you do not want to wait. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have with your brain.It is also important to pay attention to your loved ones and notice their memory or thinking problems. Encourage them to see a doctor and discuss their concerns. An early diagnosis of a medical condition can lead to faster and better treatments.Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, the hippocampus can change size because of damage, injury, or disease. For example, Alzheimer’s disease can cause the hippocampus to shrink in size.Learn MoreThe Shrinking Hippocampus in Alzheimer’s DiseaseThe location and size of the brain injury affect how much the hippocampus may be damaged. A small concussion may not do any damage to the hippocampus. On the other hand, a traumatic brain injury can cause the hippocampus to shrink.Although it is not possible to avoid all injuries or medical conditions, you can take steps to protect your hippocampus. You can:Avoid head injuriesLower stress and learn to manage itGet help for depression and other mental health conditionsExercise on a regular basis
The hippocampus is a seahorse-shaped structure in yourbrainthat is involved in memory and learning. It helps organize and store new memories and connects them to your emotions. This article will explain more about the hippocampus and its function.
SEBASTIAN KAULITZKI / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images
The hippocampus is a small structure that has the shape of a seahorse. It is located inside the brain’s temporal lobe, which is behind your ears. The hippocampus is part of the brain’slimbic systeminvolved in how you behave and respond emotionally.
Hippocampal Formation
The main function of the hippocampus is to process and retrieve different types of memories. This includes:
Other functions that the hippocampus performs include:
Hyperthymesia: More Than Just a Good Memory
The hippocampus is considered one of the most studied structures in the human brain. Although the anatomy of the hippocampus was discovered four centuries ago, understanding its function took longer.
In 1587, Giulio Cesare Aranzio (Arantius) described the anatomy of the hippocampus in a book. The first drawing of the hippocampus appeared in 1729. By the 1900s, researchers were starting to understand more of its function. Today, researchers are continuing to learn more about the brain and the full function of the hippocampus.
The hippocampus has a significant role in the brain. Damage to this structure can cause learning and memory problems. Historical examples show the importance of the hippocampus and what happens if it is removed.
When Henry Gustav Molaison had his hippocampus removed to treatepilepsy(a condition in which there are electrical disturbances in the brain) in 1953, he was no longer able to make new memories. He had anterogradeamnesia, which was the inability of his brain to form new memories after the surgery.
Your doctor may check your hippocampus with:
It is possible for your hippocampus to be damaged and show the following symptoms:
Diseases and injuries can affect the health of your brain. The following conditions can affect the hippocampus:
Summary
The hippocampus is a structure located inside your brain. It helps you process and retrieve memories. It is possible to damage the hippocampus through disease or injuries.
A Word From Verywell
When you are having problems with memory or learning, it can be tempting to ignore them and think they are temporary. Although some problems may go away on their own, you do not want to wait. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have with your brain.
It is also important to pay attention to your loved ones and notice their memory or thinking problems. Encourage them to see a doctor and discuss their concerns. An early diagnosis of a medical condition can lead to faster and better treatments.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, the hippocampus can change size because of damage, injury, or disease. For example, Alzheimer’s disease can cause the hippocampus to shrink in size.Learn MoreThe Shrinking Hippocampus in Alzheimer’s DiseaseThe location and size of the brain injury affect how much the hippocampus may be damaged. A small concussion may not do any damage to the hippocampus. On the other hand, a traumatic brain injury can cause the hippocampus to shrink.Although it is not possible to avoid all injuries or medical conditions, you can take steps to protect your hippocampus. You can:Avoid head injuriesLower stress and learn to manage itGet help for depression and other mental health conditionsExercise on a regular basis
Yes, the hippocampus can change size because of damage, injury, or disease. For example, Alzheimer’s disease can cause the hippocampus to shrink in size.Learn MoreThe Shrinking Hippocampus in Alzheimer’s Disease
Yes, the hippocampus can change size because of damage, injury, or disease. For example, Alzheimer’s disease can cause the hippocampus to shrink in size.
Learn MoreThe Shrinking Hippocampus in Alzheimer’s Disease
The location and size of the brain injury affect how much the hippocampus may be damaged. A small concussion may not do any damage to the hippocampus. On the other hand, a traumatic brain injury can cause the hippocampus to shrink.
Although it is not possible to avoid all injuries or medical conditions, you can take steps to protect your hippocampus. You can:Avoid head injuriesLower stress and learn to manage itGet help for depression and other mental health conditionsExercise on a regular basis
Although it is not possible to avoid all injuries or medical conditions, you can take steps to protect your hippocampus. You can:
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tyng CM, Amin HU, Saad MNM, Malik AS.The influences of emotion on learning and memory.Front Psychol. 2017;8:1454. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01454Anand KS, Dhikav V.Hippocampus in health and disease: An overview.Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2012;15(4):239-246. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.104323Engelhardt E.Hippocampus discovery first steps.Dement Neuropsychol. 2016;10(1):58-62. doi:10.1590/S1980-57642016DN10100011Jahn H.Memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2013 Dec;15(4):445-54. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2013.15.4/hjahn
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tyng CM, Amin HU, Saad MNM, Malik AS.The influences of emotion on learning and memory.Front Psychol. 2017;8:1454. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01454Anand KS, Dhikav V.Hippocampus in health and disease: An overview.Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2012;15(4):239-246. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.104323Engelhardt E.Hippocampus discovery first steps.Dement Neuropsychol. 2016;10(1):58-62. doi:10.1590/S1980-57642016DN10100011Jahn H.Memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2013 Dec;15(4):445-54. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2013.15.4/hjahn
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Tyng CM, Amin HU, Saad MNM, Malik AS.The influences of emotion on learning and memory.Front Psychol. 2017;8:1454. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01454Anand KS, Dhikav V.Hippocampus in health and disease: An overview.Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2012;15(4):239-246. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.104323Engelhardt E.Hippocampus discovery first steps.Dement Neuropsychol. 2016;10(1):58-62. doi:10.1590/S1980-57642016DN10100011Jahn H.Memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2013 Dec;15(4):445-54. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2013.15.4/hjahn
Tyng CM, Amin HU, Saad MNM, Malik AS.The influences of emotion on learning and memory.Front Psychol. 2017;8:1454. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01454
Anand KS, Dhikav V.Hippocampus in health and disease: An overview.Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2012;15(4):239-246. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.104323
Engelhardt E.Hippocampus discovery first steps.Dement Neuropsychol. 2016;10(1):58-62. doi:10.1590/S1980-57642016DN10100011
Jahn H.Memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2013 Dec;15(4):445-54. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2013.15.4/hjahn
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