lippocampo

Lippocampo is commonly a misspelling or variant transliteration of the hippocampus, a paired brain structure essential for memory and navigation. The hippocampus lies in the medial temporal lobe and is a key component of the limbic system. It plays a central role in converting short-term memories into long-term memories and in forming spatial and episodic memories.

Anatomy: The hippocampal formation includes the hippocampus proper (CA1–CA4), the dentate gyrus, and the subiculum. It receives major input from the entorhinal cortex through the perforant pathway and sends outputs via the fornix to mammillary bodies, the septal area, and other limbic structures.

Function: In memory, the hippocampus supports declarative or explicit memory, spatial navigation, and context processing. It contributes to pattern separation (distinguishing similar memories) and pattern completion (recalling complete memories from partial cues). Adult neurogenesis occurs in the dentate gyrus, though the extent in humans is debated.

Clinical relevance: Damage to the hippocampus can cause anterograde amnesia (inability to form new memories) and retrograde amnesia for recent events. It is affected early in Alzheimer's disease and can be involved in temporal lobe epilepsy. Imaging investigations often consider hippocampal volume as a biomarker.

Name and morphology: The hippocampus is named for its seahorse-like shape (Ancient Greek hippos, kampos). In Italian, the term ippocampo corresponds to the hippocampus; lippocampo is not standard in anatomical usage.