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