The Hippocampus: Anatomy, Function and Clinical Correlation

The hippocampus is a brain region situated deep within the temporal lobe. The hippocampus houses the archipallium cortex, which includes components such as the dentate gyrus, cornu ammonis, and subiculum. Each structure contains different layers and relates to structures around the hippocampus through afferent and efferent nerves.
The coupling of afferent and efferent fibers is crucial in supporting the hippocampal function related to memory formation, learning, spatial navigation, and emotion regulation. Previous studies have shown that several neurological diseases are associated with hippocampus abnormalities. The transformations in the hippocampus, spanning from molecular to morphological alterations, have been extensively researched. Progress in science and technology has facilitated a more detailed examination of the hippocampus structure.
This article will explore the typical anatomical configuration of the hippocampus, its functionality, and its connections with neighboring structures. Furthermore, it will also address hippocampus alterations in various disease states.