Hippocampus

The hippocampus is a curved and elongated structure of the archicortex that is part of the hippocampal formation. This formation includes the pes hippocampi (anteriorally located) and the hippocampus proper, which includes the dentate gyrus(medial) and Ammon's horn(lateral), on the inferior side of which the subiculum extends into the parahippocampal gyrus.

The hippocampus stretches along the floor of the inferior horn of the lateral ventricle and resembles a curved and elongated gyrus. At its front end, it expands to form a paw-like structure known as the pes hippocampi (foot of hippocampus). The hippocampus gives rise to white matter fibers called the alveus, which carry efferent neurons away from it. These fibers converge on its inner side to form bundles known as the fimbria. The fimbria then continue to extend and form the crura of the fornix.

The main function of the hippocampus is associated with the formation of long-term memories. If the hippocampus is damaged, it can result in memory loss or amnesia.