the hippocampus

The Hippocampus

By: Patrick Kinas

Medial Temporal Lobe Beneath the Cortex Two identical on each Hemisphere Adjacent to the Amygdala

Location

Converting short-term memory to long-term

memory Emotions –Limbic System- Navigation Spatial Orientation Learning

Functions

Studies

High levels of stress hormones, Cortisol,

causes decrease in Hippocampal size. Some results have been seen in animal

studies Traumatic stress, not work.

Severe stress hurts children’s brains, changes Hippocampus,

study shows

Damage may not be limited to Hippocampus The men were 2 months clean, after 6.5 years

of use They consumed approximately 290 pills Hippocampus was 10.5% smaller than the

average alcoholic Difficulties learning, memorizing and

remembering things

Long term Ecstasy use, leads to Hippocampal damage

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, measures the

size of Hippocampus Increasing growth of new neurons and cell

survivals More fit children Larger Hippocampus

Affiliation between physical fitness and Hippocampus

Amnesia, or Loss of memory Can lead to Alzheimer Can effect ability to learn new cognitive skills One side damaged, brain can maintain normal

functioning

Damaged Hippocampus