Hippocampus Flashcards
What is the primary function of the hippocampus?
Involved more in memory and less in emotions
What type of memories does the hippocampus help transfer from short-term to long-term?
Declarative memories
What role does the hippocampus play in terms of spatial memory?
Important role in memory for the spatial characteristics of the environment
What is linked to impairments in episodic memory and spatial navigation in Alzheimer’s disease?
Degeneration of cells in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex
What effect do acute or chronic increases in cortisol levels have on the hippocampus?
Impair retrieval of declarative memories
Which conditions can lead to increased cortisol levels affecting the hippocampus?
Stress, Cushing’s syndrome, administration of cortisone
What mental health disorders are associated with hippocampal abnormalities?
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- PTSD
In individuals with PTSD, what correlation exists between traumatic stress and hippocampal size?
More extreme traumatic stress is associated with a smaller-than-normal hippocampus
True or False: All studies agree that traumatic stress reduces hippocampal volume.
False
Fill in the blank: The hippocampus is responsible for transferring _______ memories.
Declarative
What is one possible risk factor for developing PTSD after exposure to traumatic stress?
Reduced hippocampal volume
What is the primary function of the hippocampus?
Involved more in learning and memory than in emotions
What type of memories does the hippocampus consolidate?
Declarative memories
What happens to memory storage in individuals with hippocampal damage?
Trouble storing new memories, but can recall older memories
What is involved in spatial memory?
Hippocampus
What did MRI scans reveal about the posterior hippocampus in London taxi drivers?
Larger in taxi drivers than in control subjects
What has been linked to impairments in episodic memory and spatial navigation in Alzheimer’s disease?
Degeneration of cells in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex
Fill in the blank: The hippocampus is responsible for transferring declarative information from _______ to long-term memory.
Short term
