Hippocampus: meaning, definitions and examples
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hippocampus
[ ˌhɪpəˈkæmpəs ]
anatomy brain
The hippocampus is a small, curved formation in the brain that plays a crucial role in the processing of memory and spatial navigation. It is located in the medial temporal lobe and is part of the limbic system. Damage to the hippocampus can result in severe memory impairment, particularly in forming new memories.
Synonyms
limbic structure, memory center.
Examples of usage
- The hippocampus helps convert short-term memories into long-term memories.
- Researchers are studying how the hippocampus influences learning and memory.
- Damage to the hippocampus can lead to amnesia.
Translations
Translations of the word "hippocampus" in other languages:
🇵🇹 hipocampo
🇮🇳 हिप्पोकैम्पस
🇩🇪 Hippocampus
🇮🇩 hippokampus
🇺🇦 гіпокамп
🇵🇱 hipokamp
🇯🇵 海馬 (かいば)
🇫🇷 hippocampe
🇪🇸 hipocampo
🇹🇷 hipokampus
🇰🇷 해마 (haema)
🇸🇦 الحُصين (alḥuṣayn)
🇨🇿 hipokampus
🇸🇰 hipokampus
🇨🇳 海马 (hǎimǎ)
🇸🇮 hipokampus
🇮🇸 hippókampus
🇰🇿 гиппокамп
🇬🇪 ჰიპოკამპი (hipok'ampi)
🇦🇿 hippokampus
🇲🇽 hipocampo
Etymology
The term 'hippocampus' derives from the ancient Greek word 'hippokampos', which translates to 'horse' (hippos) and 'sea monster' (kampos), named for its shape that resembles a seahorse. The term was first used in the 16th century by anatomists, but the study of its function in memory and navigation began in earnest in the 20th century. This structure was identified as crucial for memory formation by neuroscientists, particularly in studies involving patients with memory losses. The research surrounding the hippocampus has evolved over the years, highlighting its importance in both human cognition and the broader field of neuroscience.