The hippocampus is located in the temporal lobe and is part of the limbic system. One of its major roles includes intercepting olfactory stimuli, and therefore playing a part in smell related memories. Memory is predominantly linked to the hippocampus, so this part of the brain is fully functioning when learning is taking place. There is also a theory that the hippocampus plays a role in spatial organization and navigation. Since this area of the brain is heavily linked with memory, it has been found that as diseases like Alzheimer’s progresses, the hippocampus deteriorates. The hippocampus can also be damaged by insufficient oxygen and epilepsy. Severe damage of this region commonly results in amnesia. The most common symptoms of hippocampal damage are hyperactivity and memory loss.
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