The hippocampus is a critical structure in the brain that is part of the limbic system. It plays a key role in various cognitive functions, particularly in the processes of memory formation and spatial navigation. The hippocampus is involved in the consolidation of information from short-term memory to long-term memory and is essential for learning new information.
Anatomically, the hippocampus is located in the medial temporal lobe of the brain. In humans, it has a distinctive seahorse-like shape, which is where its name is derived from (the term "hippocampus" comes from the Greek words for "horse" and "sea monster").
Damage to the hippocampus can lead to memory impairments and is associated with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, as well as certain types of amnesia. In research, the hippocampus is also studied for its role in stress regulation and its involvement in various neuropsychiatric disorders.