The parahypocampal cortex structure and function

The parahipocampal cortex is a fundamental region in the cerebral anatomy that is located in the medial temporal lobe. This part of the brain plays a crucial role in the MEMORIES training and recovery, as well as in space information processing, What has a direct impact on our ability to interact with the world around us.

Its name is due to its proximity to hippocampus, an important brain structure for memory. The word "Parahipocampal" means "Around the hippocampus", which gives us an idea of ​​its location. Although it is closely related to the hippocampus, the parahipocampal cortex is a different entity with its own unique structure and functions.

This brain region is one of the latest areas to suffer degeneration in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, which highlights its resistance and importance in fundamental cognitive functions. Despite its small size compared to other regions of the brain, the parahipocampal cortex has an enormous influence on our daily lives, from remembering where we leave the keys to remembering the face of a loved one.

Content

• Location and structure of the parahipocampal cortex
• Parahipocampal cortex functions
  • 1. Space memory
  • 2. Declarative memory
  • 3. Emotional processing
  • 4. Recognition of objects and faces
  • References

Location and structure of the parahipocampal cortex

The parahipocampal cortex is a part of the medial temporal lobe and is composed of two main parts: the parahipocampal turn and the entorrinal area.

The parahypocampal turn is located in the upper part of the parahipocampal cortex and connects with a wide variety of brain regions, including the hippocampus, the prefrontal cortex and several areas of the sensory cortex. This interconnection allows the parahipocampal turn to participate in multisensory integration and contribute to the formation and recovery of memory.

On the other hand, the Entorrinal area acts as a main entrance door for the information that goes to and from the hippocampus. This area plays a crucial role in the coding and consolidation of memory, turning short -term information into long -term memories.

Parahipocampal cortex functions

Parahipocampal cortex plays a series of vital functions in our cognition and behavior. These functions can be classified into several main categories: spatial memory, declarative memory, emotional processing and recognition of objects and faces.

1. Space memory

One of the main functions of the parahipocampal cortex is its role in space memory. This capacity It allows us to remember and process information about our environment and our orientation in it. For example, when you enter a room for the first time, it is the parahipocampal cortex that helps you form a "mental map" of that space. It also helps remember the location of specific objects within space. When we remember the way home from work or the location of our books on a shelf, we are using our space memory.

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2. Declarative memory

The parahipocampal cortex is essential in the formation of declarative memory, which is Our ability to remember specific facts and events. This function is possible thanks to the strong connections that this region has with the hippocampus. When we learn something new, such as a historical fact or the name of a person we just met, it is the parahipocampal cortex that helps consolidate and store that information for later recovery.

3. Emotional processing

Although it is not the only region of the brain involved in emotional processing, the parahipocampal cortex plays an important role in the way we remember and respond to emotions. This is especially true when it comes to the intersection between memory and emotion. For example, remembering an emotionally loaded event, such as a car accident or a happy birthday, the parahipocampal cortex can help code and recover the emotional aspects of that memory.

4. Recognition of objects and faces

Some investigations indicate that the parahipocampal cortex is involved in the recognition of objects and faces. This function It allows us to quickly identify people and things in our environment, what is crucial for social interaction and survival. For example, being able to recognize a friend in a crowd or identify a family object in an unknown environment can depend in part of the parahypocampal cortex.

Parahipocampal cortex is a small structure compared to other parts of the brain, however it has a series of essential functions that are crucial for our daily behavior and cognition. Dysfunctions in this region of the brain can have serious consequences, including memory loss and spatial disorientation, which demonstrates its importance for our daily lives.

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References

• Dalmau, j. (2018). "Neuroanatomy". Ed. Pan -American Medical.
• Nolte, J. (2013). "The human brain: introduction to functional anatomy". Ed. Elsevier.
• Eichenbaum, h. (2017). "Memory: systems, processes or functions". Educational Psychology Magazine.
• Image extracted from: https: // www.Ajnr.org/content/36/5/846