The term "Cornu Ammonis" is often used in neuroscience to refer to the hippocampus, a region of the brain associated with memory and navigation. The spelling of this term can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈkɔːrnuː əˈməʊnɪs/, where "cornu" is pronounced as "kawr-noo" and "ammonis" is pronounced as "uh-moh-nis". The term is derived from Latin, with "cornu" meaning horn and "ammonis" referring to the Egyptian god Ammon, who was typically depicted with ram horns.
Cornu Ammonis, also known as the hippocampus or Ammon's horn, is a region of the brain that is integral to memory and learning processes. Derived from Latin, Cornu Ammonis literally translates to "Ammon's horn" due to its distinct curved shape resembling the horns of the Egyptian god Amun.
Located within the temporal lobe, Cornu Ammonis is a key component of the limbic system, which is responsible for emotions, memory formation, and consolidation. It is divided into four subregions, labeled as CA1, CA2, CA3, and CA4, each with their own unique functions and connections.
The Cornu Ammonis plays a crucial role in the formation and retrieval of declarative memories, which are memories of facts and events. It receives input from various brain regions involved in sensory perception, attention, and emotion, allowing for the integration of information into memory storage. Studies have also shown that Cornu Ammonis is involved in spatial navigation and episodic memory, which are fundamental for remembering the context in which memories were formed.
Additionally, Cornu Ammonis is vulnerable to various neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and ischemia, which can result in memory impairment and cognitive decline. Research and understanding of the Cornu Ammonis continue to contribute to our knowledge of memory formation and cognitive processes, providing valuable insights into the workings of the human brain.
Hippocampus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "Cornu Ammonis" is derived from Latin and translates to "horn of Ammon" in English. The word "cornu" means "horn" and "Ammonis" refers to Ammon, the Greek name for the Egyptian god Amun. In ancient Egypt, Amun was associated with ram-headed deities, and the shape of the structure within the brain that is now known as the hippocampus was believed to resemble a ram's horn. Hence, the term "Cornu Ammonis" was coined to describe this anatomical feature.