The Importance Of The Hippocampus On Human Learning And Memory

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What is the hippocampus and why is it so important? What would happen if it got damaged or if it did not exist at all? Does it play a vital role in human learning and memory? These questions and many more have captured the interest of psychologists since 1587 when the hippocampus was first discovered. This seahorse shaped organ, located in the temporal lobe of the brain and making up a portion of the limbic system, is an important section of the brain which should not be overlooked. Through the structure of the hippocampus, one can observe the essential functions it has on memory, learning, and psychological wellness, and can also see the effects it has on human memory and behavior when it is damaged. Without the help of the hippocampus, humans would not be able to function adequately in their environment. In order to learn how the hippocampus operates, one must first understand the structural elements of the organ. By observing the hippocampus, psychologists …show more content…

Because the vast majority of neurogenesis occurs in the hippocampus, it is particularly vulnerable to stress. When the mind endures an increase amount of stress, the hormone cortisol is released throughout the body. High amounts of cortisol in the body will affect the rate at which neurons are increased or decreased in the hippocampus. Large amounts of neuronal activity are needed in order to retain memory, thus when the cortisol assaults the neurons, the hippocampus loses its stability and even size. As the intensity or duration of stress increases, alterations in neurochemicals, synaptic plasticity, neural activity, cytoarchitecture (the composition of cells), and neurogenesis occur in the hippocampus. This “strongly influence subsequent cognitive functions, such as learning and memory, and contributes to psychopathologies.” (Kim et al,

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