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The most mysterious corner of the brain: Why is the hippocampus shaped like a seahorse?
The hippocampus, a neural structure located in the medial temporal lobe of the brain, is known for its unique curved shape, which is often compared to the seahorse monster in ancient Greek mythology and the ram-head of the ancient Egyptian god Amun. . The uniqueness of the hippocampus lies not only in its appearance, but also in its important role in brain function. With in-depth research on the structure of the hippocampus, many mysteries about human emotions, memory, etc. have gradually emerged.
The hippocampus is a similar structure in all mammals, from hedgehogs to humans, but varies in shape and detail.
The basic anatomy of the hippocampus consists of several well-defined components. First, at the edge of the hippocampus is the dentate gyrus (Dentate Gyrus), which is a dense structure of small granule cells that surrounds the end of the hippocampus, forming a pointed boot. As you further enter the hippocampus, it is composed of four Cornu Ammonis (CA) areas, which are CA4, CA3, CA2, and CA1. These areas are mainly composed of dense pyramidal neurons. These neurons are in the limbic system. Other parts of it are connected to it.
Studying the hippocampus is not limited to its shape and structure. It is equally important to understand the way it transmits signals. Major neural signaling pathways connect through the hippocampus to the adjacent entorhinal cortex, which in turn carries information to various parts of the hippocampus. According to Per Andersen, these neural circuits form a loop, the most famous of which is the so-called trisynaptic circuit: from the entorhinal cortex to the dentate gyrus, to CA3, to CA1, and finally to the hypothalamus.
There appears to be a complex connection between the shape and function of the hippocampus, but does this mean we don't yet fully understand its role in the brain?
As we understand the basic circuit model of the hippocampus, we also find that it is inextricably linked to many other structures. For example, inputs from the amygdala, thalamus, and other central nervous systems are also closely related to the function of the hippocampus. The interaction of these areas focuses on the processing of emotions and the formation of memories. Although most neuroscientists no longer consider the "limbic system" to be a unified concept, the high degree of interconnection between these structures remains a focus of contemporary neuroscience research.
The structure of the hippocampus varies in different animals. For example, a mouse's hippocampus looks like a pair of bananas, whereas in humans, the region of the hippocampus is wider at the base of the temporal lobe and relatively narrower at the top. This three-dimensional curvature causes us to often need to obtain detailed images through different slices when observing the hippocampus, which also reflects the diversity and complexity of the hippocampus.
Researchers are interested in the hippocampus not only because of its shape and structure, but also because of its role in learning and memory. By exploring different neural connections and signaling pathways, scientists hope to reveal more about how the brain works. These studies may help us better understand issues related to memory impairment and emotional illness in the future.
As we continue to explore the function of the hippocampus, we may be able to gain a deeper understanding of the basis of memory and even the origin of emotions.
The mystery of the hippocampus has attracted the research of many scientists. From its unique shape to its unique structure, every discovery is like a piece of the puzzle. This new knowledge will not only help us understand how the human brain works, but may also provide new ideas for treating neurological diseases. However, in the face of these complex phenomena, does the hippocampus really have some mysterious power as its name suggests?
