What is the hippocampus?
The name hippocampus is derived from the Greek hippokampus (hippos, meaning “horse,” and kampos, meaning “sea monster”), since the structure’s shape resembles that of a sea horse.
What is a hippocamps in Greek mythology?
Hippocampus (mythology) The hippocampus or hippocamp, also hippokampoi (plural: hippocampi or hippocamps; Greek: ἱππόκαμπος, from ἵππος, "horse" and κάμπος, "sea monster" ), often called a sea-horse in English, is a mythological creature shared by Phoenician, Etruscan, and Greek mythology, though its name has a Greek origin.
Where did hippos originate from?
From 7.5 to 1.8 million years ago, an ancestor to the modern hippo, Archaeopotamus, lived in Africa and the Middle East. While the fossil record of hippos is still poorly understood, the two modern genera, Hippopotamus and Choeropsis (sometimes Hexaprotodon ), may have diverged as far back as 8 million years ago.
What is the origin of the word hippopotamus?
The Latin word hippopotamus is derived from the ancient Greek ἱπποπόταμος, hippopótamos, from ἵππος, híppos, "horse", and ποταμός, potamós, "river", meaning "horse of the river". In English, the plural is "hippopotamuses", but "hippopotami" is also used.
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What is the origin of the hippocampus?
The name hippocampus is derived from the Greek hippokampus (hippos, meaning “horse,” and kampos, meaning “sea monster”), since the structure's shape resembles that of a sea horse.
Did Poseidon create the hippocampus?
The Hippocamp or Hippocampus (plural: Hippocampi) is a mythological creature that Poseidon created to serve him.
When did hippocampus originate?
The first of such cells discovered in the 1970s were the place cells, which led to the idea of the hippocampus acting to give a neural representation of the environment in a cognitive map.
How was the hippocampus discovered?
History and discovery The hippocampus was first referred to by Venetian anatomist Julius Caesar Aranzi in 1587. He described it as a ridge along the floor of the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle and likened it first to a silkworm and later, to a seahorse.
Who was the ugliest god?
HephaestusHephaestus. Hephaestus is the son of Zeus and Hera. Sometimes it is said that Hera alone produced him and that he has no father. He is the only god to be physically ugly.
Can you live without a hippocampus?
In short, the hippocampus orchestrates both the recording and the storage of memories, and without it, this “memory consolidation” cannot occur.
Why is the hippocampus called a seahorse?
Hippocampus. The hippocampus is one of several parts of our brain involved in memory. Some intrepid brain-dissector must have thought it looked like a seahorse, because that's exactly what hippocampus means in Greek.
What did the hippocampus do Greek mythology?
Poseidon, God of the Sea, was carried across the oceans in a chariot pulled by hippocampi, who sometimes took him out of the water. He was the man of horses, earthquakes and seas. It is said that a temple to Poseidon was built thousands of years ago on a city on the Greek coasts called Helike.
What is a hippocampus Greek mythology?
The hippocampus or hippocamp (Plural hippocampi) was a sea creature that originated in Greek mythology. Hippocamps were fish-tailed horses believed to be the adult form of the little fish that we know today as sea horses.
When was the hippocampus brain discovered?
In the first edition of Observationes Anatomicae (1579) and a later version (Observationes Anatomicae: De Humano Foetu) in 1587, Arantius used the term seahorse, or hippocampus, to describe this small organ as the ridge or structure in the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle.
What is the hippocampus made of?
The hippocampus is comprised primarily of pyramidal cells. Like all cells, pyramidal cells have afferent processes (dendrites) and efferent processes (axons). It should be noted that the dendrites of a pyramidal cell extend from both the apex and base.
What emotions does the hippocampus control?
The hippocampus, located in the medial temporal lobe and connected with the amygdala that controls emotional memory recalling and regulation (Schumacher et al., 2018); it has increased the functional connectivity with anterior cingulate or amygdala during emotional regulation and recalling of positive memory (Guzmán- ...
What does the hippocampus represent in Greek mythology?
The Hippocampus in Greek and Roman Mythology Hippocamps were known for being gentle creatures that had good relationships with their owners. They were respected by all sea creatures such as mermen, sea elves and sea gods who treated them as their loyal mounts.
What is a hippocampus Percy Jackson?
A Hippocampus as seen in the film adaptation of The Sea of Monsters. Hippocampi are creatures that resemble a combination between a horse and fish. They are under the jurisdiction of the god of the seas, Poseidon.
What is Poseidon the protector of?
Poseidon was most notably the God of the sea and the protector of all waters; sailors relied upon him for safe passage. Poseidon was allotted his dominion after the fall of the Titans.
What did Poseidon give to Athens?
In the legendary competition with Athena to win the patronage of Athens, Poseidon offered to the city the gifts of a saltwater spring and a horse. However, Athena's gift of an olive tree gained greater favour, and it was she who would become the patron of the great city.
Where is the hippocampus located?
For other uses, see Hippocampus (disambiguation). Humans have two hippocampi, one in each hemisphere of the brain. They are located in the medial temporal lobes of the cerebrum.
What is the name of the hippocampus?
Another reference appeared with the term pes hippocampi, which may date back to Diemerbroeck in 1672, introducing a comparison with the shape of the folded back forelimbs and webbed feet of the mythological hippocampus, a sea monster with a horse's forequarters and a fish's tail. The hippocampus was then described as pes hippocampi major, with an adjacent bulge in the occipital horn, described as the pes hippocampi minor and later renamed as the calcar avis. The renaming of the hippocampus as hippocampus major, and the calcar avis as hippocampus minor, has been attributed to Félix Vicq-d'Azyr systematizing nomenclature of parts of the brain in 1786. Mayer mistakenly used the term hippopotamus in 1779, and was followed by some other authors until Karl Friedrich Burdach resolved this error in 1829. In 1861 the hippocampus minor became the center of a dispute over human evolution between Thomas Henry Huxley and Richard Owen, satirized as the Great Hippocampus Question. The term hippocampus minor fell from use in anatomy textbooks and was officially removed in the Nomina Anatomica of 1895. Today, the structure is just called the hippocampus, with the term Cornu Ammonis surviving in the names of the hippocampal subfields CA1-CA4.
Why do we have a hippocampus?
Due to bilateral symmetry the brain has a hippocampus in each cerebral hemisphere. If damage to the hippocampus occurs in only one hemisphere, leaving the structure intact in the other hemisphere, the brain can retain near-normal memory functioning. Severe damage to the hippocampi in both hemispheres results in profound difficulties in forming new memories ( anterograde amnesia) and often also affects memories formed before the damage occurred ( retrograde amnesia ). Although the retrograde effect normally extends many years back before the brain damage, in some cases older memories remain. This retention of older memories leads to the idea that consolidation over time involves the transfer of memories out of the hippocampus to other parts of the brain. Experiments using intrahippocampal transplantation of hippocampal cells in primates with neurotoxic lesions of the hippocampus have shown that the hippocampus is required for the formation and recall, but not the storage, of memories. It has been shown that a decrease in the volume of various parts of the hippocampus in people leads to specific memory impairments. In particular, efficiency of verbal memory retention is related to the anterior parts of the right and left hippocampus. The right head of the hippocampus is more involved in executive functions and regulation during verbal memory recall. The tail of the left hippocampus tends to be closely related to verbal memory capacity.
How many hippocampi are there in the brain?
Humans and other mammals have two hippocampi, one in each side of the brain. The hippocampus is part of the limbic system, and plays important roles in the consolidation of information from short-term memory to long-term memory, and in spatial memory that enables navigation.
How does the brain store memories?
Since at least the time of Ramon y Cajal (1852-1934), psychologists have speculated that the brain stores memory by altering the strength of connections between neurons that are simultaneously active. This idea was formalized by Donald Hebb in 1949, but for many years remained unexplained. In 1973, Tim Bliss and Terje Lømo described a phenomenon in the rabbit hippocampus that appeared to meet Hebb's specifications: a change in synaptic responsiveness induced by brief strong activation and lasting for hours or days or longer. This phenomenon was soon referred to as long-term potentiation (LTP). As a candidate mechanism for long-term memory, LTP has since been studied intensively, and a great deal has been learned about it. However, the complexity and variety of the intracellular signalling cascades that can trigger LTP is acknowledged as preventing a more complete understanding.
When was the hippocampus minor removed?
The term hippocampus minor fell from use in anatomy textbooks and was officially removed in the Nomina Anatomica of 1895.
Which part of the brain is responsible for emotional behavior?
The hippocampus is anatomically connected to parts of the brain that are involved with emotional behavior—the septum, the hypothalamic mammillary body, and the anterior nuclear complex in the thalamus, and is generally accepted to be part of the limbic system.
Where is the hippocampus located?
The hippocampus is a part of the brain. It is found in the inner folds of the bottom middle section of the brain, known as the temporal lobe. Humans have known about the hippocampus for more than 4 centuries. It is one of the most studied parts of the brain. The name comes from the Greek words hippo, meaning horse, and kampo, meaning monster, ...
What is the meaning of the word "hippo"?
The name comes from the Greek words hippo, meaning horse, and kampo, meaning monster, as its shape resembles that of a sseahorse. Its main functions involve human learning and memory. Knowing about the hippocampus has helped researchers understand how memory works. Share on Pinterest.
Why do people with transient global amnesia regain their memories?
Most people with transient global amnesia eventually regain their memories, but the reasons why the problem occurs and why it resolves are unclear. It may be that damage to the hippocampus is involved.
What are some examples of hippocampus memory?
Declarative memories are those related to facts and events. Examples include learning how to memorize speeches or lines in a play. Spatial relationship memories involve pathways or routes.
Where are short term memories stored?
The hippocampus is also where short-term memories are turned into long-term memories. These are then stored elsewhere in the brain. throughout adulthood. The hippocampus is one of the few places in the brain new nerve cells are generated.
How much does the hippocampus shrink in Alzheimer's?
In people with depression, the hippocampus can shrink by up to 20 percent. Trusted Source. , according to some researchers.
What happens if you lose your hippocampus?
If one or both parts of the hippocampus are damaged by illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, or if they are hurt in an accident, the person can experience a loss of memory and a loss of the ability to make new, long-term memories.
What is the mythical hippocampus?
However, in a blazon, the terms hippocamp and hippocampus now refer to the real animal called a seahorse , and the terms seahorse and sea-horse refer to the mythological creature. The above-mentioned fish hybrids are seen less frequently. In appearance, the heraldic sea-horse is depicted as having the head and neck of a horse, the tail of a fish and webbed paws replacing its front hooves. Its mane may be that of a horse or it may be replaced with an additional fin. Sea-horses may be depicted with wings, but this motif does not appear to be present within any officially sanctioned arms.
Where is the Hippocampi in the Roman mosaic?
Hippocampus in Roman mosaic in the thermae at Aquae Sulis ( Bath) The appearance of hippocampi in both freshwater and saltwater is counter-intuitive to a modern audience, though not to an ancient one. The Greek picture of the natural hydrological cycle did not take into account the condensation of atmospheric water as rain to replenish ...
What coin shows the hippocampus?
Coins minted at Tyre around the 4th century BC show the patron god Melqart riding on a winged hippocampus and accompanied by dolphins. Coins of the same period from Byblos show a hippocampus diving under a galley.
What is the theme of the Hippocampi?
Katharine Shepard found in the theme an Etruscan belief in a sea-voyage to the other world.
Where are the hippocampi on the Newcastle United crest?
The English football club Newcastle United has two hippocampi depicted on its crest. They appear to the left and right of the shield in the middle.
Where are sea horses depicted?
Sea-horses may be depicted with wings, but this motif does not appear to be present within any officially sanctioned arms. Tritons and winged hippocampi in the Trevi Fountain, Rome. The sea-horse is also a common image in Renaissance and Baroque art, for example, in the Trevi fountain, dating to 1732.
Who was the two-hoofed hippocampi?
This compares to the specifically "two-hoofed" hippocampi of Gaius Valerius Flaccus in his Argonautica: " Orion when grasping his father’s reins heaves the sea with the snorting of his two-hooved horses.".
Where does the term "hippocampus" come from?
The term hippocampus is derived from the Greek word hippokampus ( hippo meaning "horse" and kampos meaning "sea monster") because the structure resembles the shape of a sea horse. The structure was first described by the anatomist Julius Caesar Aranzi. Because the hippocampus has been known of and observed for centuries, ...
What is the hippocampus?
The hippocampus is a small, curved formation in the brain that plays an important role in the limbic system. The hippocampus is involved in the formation of new memories and is also associated with learning and emotions. 1 .
Why is the hippocampus important?
Because the hippocampus plays such an important role in the formation of new memories, damage to this part of the brain can have a serious long-term impact on certain types of memory. Damage to the hippocampus has been observed upon post-mortem analysis of the brains of individuals with amnesia. Such damage is linked to problems with forming ...
What is the effect of damage to the hippocampus?
Research on mice suggests that damage to the left hippocampus has an effect on the recall of verbal information while damage to the right hippocampus results in problems with visual information. 5 .
How much does the hippocampus shrink?
MRI scans of human brains have found that the human hippocampus shrinks by around 13% between the ages of 30 and 80. 9 . Those who experience such a loss may show significant declines in memory performance. Cell degeneration in the hippocampus has also been linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. 10 .
Why is the hippocampus important for Alzheimer's?
10 . The hippocampus may also play a role in contributing to the development of addictions. Because drugs and alcohol affect the brain's reward systems, the hippocampus creates memories of these satisfying experiences.
What is the role of the hippocampus in memory?
The hippocampus plays a critical role in the formation, organization, and storage of new memories as well as connecting certain sensations and emotions to these memories.
Where did the word "hippocampus" come from?
The word hippocampus was actually adopted into English from the Latin “hippocampus”. And the Latin form was originally derived from the Greek “hippokampos”, which is comprised of the Greek words “hippos” (ἵππος) for horse and “kampos” (κάμπος) for sea monster. “Hippos” is by the way the same word as in “ hippopotamus ” which literally means “river ...
What is the Greek mythology of the hippocampus?
The hippocampus is a seahorse in Greek mythology which is half horse and half fish and is associated with the gods of the sea. Hippocampi are the ones that pull Poseidon’s chariot through the ocean.
Why are seahorses called hippocampus?
Seahorses belong to the biological genus Hippocampus. (Photo by Val Pierce on Unsplash)
Why is the hippocampus in the brain called that?
The hippocampus is also a brain structure that somewhat looks like a seahorse. (Picture by OpenClipart-Vectors on Pixabay, edited)
What are some examples of winged hippocampi?
One example of such a depiction of winged hippocampi are the seahorses on the famous Trevi Fountaine in Rome. The word hippocampus was actually adopted into English from the Latin “hippocampus”.
Why is the hippocampus important?
Because it was created out of the ocean waves, the hippocampus symbolizes the power and beauty of the sea as well as the connection to the Greek gods and mermaids – the sea nymphs (naiads) – who looked over the ocean and saved drowning people with them.
Which part of the brain is responsible for memory?
The fuction of the hippocampus does however not have much to do with its seahorse exterior. It is part of the limbic system in the middle of the brain and is mostly responsible for our memory especially for the saving of information to the long-term memory as well as spatial memory for navigating.
Where did the hippocampus come from?
Hippocampus springs from Greek and Phoenician mythology, however, its name is purely of Greek provenance as the word hippo in Greek means horse and kampos means sea monster. These mythical creatures are believed to have been created from the crests of sea waves.
What is the Hippocampus?
Hippocampus was the ride of two most important deities of the Greek and Roman mythology – Poseidon and Neptune. These fabled creatures first appeared in Homeric poems, where they are described as ‘brazen-hoofed’ and ‘swiftly-flying’ horses who would draw Poseidon’s chariot through the waves.
What are some interesting facts about the Greek mythical creatures?
Mystical Facts About the Greek Mythical Creature Hippocampus. Greek mythology abounds in intriguing creatures. From Centaur to Sirens to Gorgons to Typhon, these monsters, semi-gods, and heroes never fail to captivate us with their riveting stories and unearthly powers.
What was Poseidon's favorite horse?
Poseidon had his favorites too, he was enamored of a stallion named Scylla and a mare called Sthenos. What is interesting to know is that Hippocampus was originally conceived as a horse and that its semi-fish and semi-equine depiction was a result of later artists and poets.
Why are hippocampi important?
Hippocampi were known to be benevolent spiritual creatures who helped sailors from drowning, salvaged men from sea monsters as well as helped people overcome problems faced in the sea. They came to be used as heraldic insignia on bearings, especially as maritime symbols by dint of their connection with the sea.
What is the sea horse?
Often referred to as ‘sea horse’, these mythical creatures have a compound appearance – they derive some part of their appearance – the head and forelegs from horse, whereas it borrows its tail and hindquarter from either a serpent, fish (mostly dolphin) or a dragon. Despite its part equine appearance, it has often being depicted with flippers (webbed feet) than hooves. In some of its depictions, it has also been featured with wings of a bird, the most popular being the Trevi Fountain in Rome.
What is the scientific name for a sea horse?
A real-life little sea horse has been bestowed with the scientific name of ‘Hippocampus’ . It will be also fascinating to know that one of our brain’s major components is called Hippocampus owing to its similar appearance with the mythical structure as well as because of its resistance to epileptic seizures.
Where is Hippo Campus from?
DeCarlo Jackson. Hippo Campus is an American indie rock band from Saint Paul, Minnesota. They are signed to Grand Jury Records in the United States and Transgressive Records in the United Kingdom. The band has performed at South by Southwest, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Summerfest and Reading and Leeds Festivals, as well as on Conan.
Who produced Hippo Campus?
Once again produced by BJ Burton, the Boston Globe noted that it was "a massive step forward" as the band used more synthesizer and programmed drums. Hippo Campus headlined their own tour from Fall 2018 into Winter 2019 across the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe.
What was the song that Hippo Campus sang on Conan?
The band supported the release with an appearance at SXSW, and a performance on Conan. The EP featured two singles, "Little Grace" and "Suicide Saturday", and Hippo Campus did live sessions at KCRW 's Morning Becomes Eclectic, and KEXP. On December 26, 2015, they appeared on the nationally broadcast CBS This Morning.
Where is Hippo Campus performing?
In spring and summer 2018, Hippo Campus performed at Sasquatch! Music Festival in George, Washington, and again at Reading and Leeds Festivals in the UK, and opened for Sylvan Esso at Red Rocks in Morrison, Colorado.
When did Hippo Campus release Tarzan rejects?
Hippo Campus recorded and released an EP entitled Tarzan Rejects in 2013. This EP consisted of five tracks, two of which are original recordings of the songs "Little Grace" and "South".
Where is the hippocampus located?
The hippocampus is a small, curved structure in the brain that is part of the limbic system. It is found deep in the temporal lobe below the cerebral cortex. The limbic system supports a variety of functions including emotion, behavior, motivation, and memory. The hippocampus is the part of the limbic system involved in consolidating memories.
Why is activating the hippocampus important?
Because the hippocampus is so intimately involved in neurogenesis, activating that process may help reverse some of the damage.
Why does the hippocampus have reduced volume?
In individuals with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, brain scans reveal that their hippocampal volume is actually reduced.
How does the hippocampus heal?
Thus, the hippocampus can heal brain damage by replacing damaged nerve cells. Neurogenesis provides a pathway for recovery after a brain injury.
What is the role of the hippocampus in neurogenesis?
One of the most fascinating things about the hippocampus is the role it plays in neurogenesis, which refers to the creation of new brain cells. Many neuroscientists call the hippocampus the “regeneration center” of the brain.
How does the hippocampus help with neurogenesis?
You can help your hippocampus do this by boosting the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in your brain. BDNF acts as fuel to activate neurogenesis.
Which part of the brain converts short term memories into long term memories?
Your hippocampus also converts short-term memories into long-term memories.
Where is the hippopotamus native to?
The hippopotamus ( / ˌhɪpəˈpɒtəməs / HIP-ə-POT-ə-məs; Hippopotamus amphibius ), also called the hippo, common hippopotamus or river hippopotamus, is a large, mostly herbivorous, semiaquatic mammal and ungulate native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus ( Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis ). The name comes from the ancient Greek for "river horse" ( ἱπποπόταμος ).
When were hippos first seen?
The first record of hippos on captivity for display are dated to 3500 BC, in Hierakonpolis, Egypt. The first zoo hippo in modern history was Obaysch, who arrived at the London Zoo on 25 May 1850, where he attracted up to 10,000 visitors a day and inspired a popular song, the "Hippopotamus Polka".
What are hippos famous for?
Ever since Obaysch inspired the "Hippopotamus Polka", hippos have been popular animals in Western culture for their rotund appearance that many consider comical. Stories of hippos such as Huberta, which became a celebrity in South Africa in the 1930s for trekking across the country; or the tale of Owen and Mzee, a hippo and tortoise which developed an intimate bond; have amused people who have bought hippo books, merchandise, and many stuffed hippo toys. Hippos were mentioned in the novelty Christmas song " I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas " that became a hit for child star Gayla Peevey in 1953. They also feature in the songs "The Hippopotamus" and "Hippo Encore" by Flanders and Swann, with the famous refrain "Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud". They even inspired a popular board game, Hungry Hungry Hippos.
How far back did hippos diverge?
While the fossil record of hippos is still poorly understood, the two modern genera, Hippopotamus and Choeropsis (sometimes Hexaprotodon ), may have diverged as far back as 8 million years ago . Taxonomists disagree whether or not the modern pygmy hippopotamus is a member of Hexaprotodon —an apparently paraphyletic genus, also embracing many extinct Asian hippopotamuses, that is more closely related to Hippopotamus —or of Choeropsis, an older and basal genus.
How did the Malagasy hippopotamus go extinct?
Three species of Malagasy hippopotamus became extinct during the Holocene on Madagascar, one of them within the past 1,000 years. The Malagasy hippos were smaller than the modern hippo, likely through the process of insular dwarfism. Fossil evidence indicates many Malagasy hippos were hunted by humans, a likely factor in their eventual extinction. Isolated members of Malagasy hippos may have survived in remote pockets; in 1976, villagers described a living animal called the kilopilopitsofy, which may have been a Malagasy hippo.
Why are hippo populations declining?
The decline is attributed to the disruptions caused by the Second Congo War. The poachers are believed to be Mai-Mai rebels, poorly paid Congolese soldiers, and local militia groups. Reasons for poaching include the belief that hippos are harmful to society, as well as financial gain. However, as of 2016, the Virunga hippo population appears to have increased, possibly due to greater enforcement and cooperation between fishermen and park authorities. The sale of hippo meat is illegal, but black-market sales are difficult for Virunga National Park officers to track. Hippo meat is considered a delicacy in some areas of central Africa and the teeth have become a valued substitute for elephant ivory.
How fast can a hippos run?
Despite its stocky shape and short legs, it is capable of running 30 km/h (19 mp h) over short distances. Hippos inhabit rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps, where territorial males preside over a stretch of river and groups of five to thirty females and young hippos.
Overview
The hippocampus (via Latin from Greek ἱππόκαμπος, 'seahorse') is a major component of the brain of humans and other vertebrates. Humans and other mammals have two hippocampi, one in each side of the brain. The hippocampus is part of the limbic system, and plays important roles in the consolidation of information from short-term memory to long-term memory, and in spatial memory that …
Name
The earliest description of the ridge running along the floor of the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle comes from the Venetian anatomist Julius Caesar Aranzi (1587), who likened it first to a silkworm and then to a seahorse (Latin hippocampus, from Greek ἱππόκαμπος, from Greek ἵππος, "horse" + κάμπος, "sea monster"). The German anatomist Duvernoy (1729), the first to illustrate the st…
Relation to limbic system
The term limbic system was introduced in 1952 by Paul MacLean to describe the set of structures that line the edge of the cortex (Latin limbus meaning border): These include the hippocampus, cingulate cortex, olfactory cortex, and amygdala. Paul MacLean later suggested that the limbic structures comprise the neural basis of emotion. The hippocampus is anatomically connected to parts of the brain that are involved with emotional behavior – the septum, the hypothalamic mam…
Anatomy
The hippocampus can be seen as a ridge of gray matter tissue, elevating from the floor of each lateral ventricle in the region of the inferior or temporal horn. This ridge can also be seen as an inward fold of the archicortex into the medial temporal lobe. The hippocampus can only be seen in dissections as it is concealed by the parahippocampal gyrus. The cortex thins from six layers to th…
Function
Over the years, three main ideas of hippocampal function have dominated the literature: response inhibition, episodic memory, and spatial cognition. The behavioral inhibition theory (caricatured by John O'Keefe and Lynn Nadel as "slam on the brakes!") was very popular up to the 1960s. It derived much of its justification from two observations: first, that animals with hippocampal dama…
Electroencephalography
The hippocampus shows two major "modes" of activity, each associated with a distinct pattern of neural population activity and waves of electrical activity as measured by an electroencephalogram (EEG). These modes are named after the EEG patterns associated with them: theta and large irregular activity (LIA). The main characteristics described below are for the rat, which is the animal most …
Disorders
Age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia (for which hippocampal disruption is one of the earliest signs ) have a severe impact on many types of cognition including memory. Even normal aging is associated with a gradual decline in some types of memory, including episodic memory and working memory (or short-term memory). Because the hippocamp…
Other animals
The hippocampus has a generally similar appearance across the range of mammals, from monotremes such as the echidna to primates such as humans. The hippocampal-size-to-body-size ratio broadly increases, being about twice as large for primates as for the echidna. It does not, however, increase at anywhere close to the rate of the neocortex-to-body-size ratio. Therefore, the hippocamp…
Overview
The hippocampus or hippocamp, also hippokampos (plural: hippocampi or hippocamps; Ancient Greek: ἱππόκαμπος, from ἵππος, "horse" and κάμπος, "sea monster" ), often called a sea-horse in English, is a mythological creature shared by Phoenician, Etruscan, Pictish, Roman and Greek mythology, though its name has a Greek origin. The hippocampus has typically been depicted as having th…
Mythology
Coins minted at Tyre around the 4th century BC show the patron god Melqart riding on a winged hippocampus and accompanied by dolphins. Coins of the same period from Byblos show a hippocampus diving under a galley.
A gold sea-horse was discovered in a hoard from the kingdom of Lydia in Asia minor, dating to the 6th century BC.
Capricornus and related mythical animals
Closely related to the hippocampus is the "sea goat", represented by Capricorn, a mythical creature with the front half of a goat and the rear half of a fish. Canonical figures, most of which were not themselves cult images, and coins of the Carian goddess associated with Aphrodite as the Aphrodite of Aphrodisias through interpretatio graeca, show the goddess riding on a sea-goat. Brody describes her thus:
Astronomy
In 2019, a small moon of Neptune was named Hippocamp, after the creature.
See also
• List of hybrid creatures in mythology
• Capricorn (astrology)
• Sea goat
• Catoblepas
• Kelpie
External links
• Theoi Project - Hippokampoi
• A gold fibula, part of the "Lydian treasures" found in the former Lydian kingdom, made in the second half of the 6th century BC.
Functions
Impact of Hippocampus Damage
- If the hippocampus is damaged by disease or injury, it can influence a person's memories as well as their ability to form new memories. Hippocampus damage can particularly affect spatial memory, or the ability to remember directions, locations, and orientations. Because the hippocampus plays such an important role in the formation of new memories, damage to this pa…
Tips
- So what can you do to protect your hippocampus? Research suggests that exercise may help protect the hippocampus from the detrimental effects of aging.6 Long-term stress can also have a negative impact on the hippocampus, so finding ways to manage your stress may help protect this part of your brain.7 Some research suggests that stress associated with PTSD ma…
Potential Pitfalls
- There are a few different factors that can affect the function of the hippocampus: Age can also have a major impact on the functioning of the hippocampus. MRI scans of human brains have found that the human hippocampus shrinks by around 13% between the ages of 30 and 80.9 Those who experience such a loss may show significant declines in memory performance. Cell …
History of The Hippocampus
- The term hippocampus is derived from the Greek word hippokampus (hippo meaning "horse" and kamposmeaning "sea monster") because the structure resembles the shape of a sea horse. The structure was first described by the anatomist Julius Caesar Aranzi. Because the hippocampus has been known of and observed for centuries, it is one of the most studied...