Hippocampus minor is a part of the brain that is crucial for memory formation and retrieval. The spelling of this word can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /hɪpəˈkæmpəs/ for "hippocampus" and /ˈmaɪnər/ for "minor." The "h" sound at the beginning of "hippocampus" is followed by the short "i" sound, while the "a" is pronounced as "uh." In "minor," the stress is on the first syllable and it's pronounced with a long "i" sound. Understanding the IPA can help with proper pronunciation and spelling of complex words.
The term "hippocampus minor" refers to a small structure within the brain called the infraventricular portion of the dentate gyrus. It is part of the hippocampal formation, which is primarily responsible for memory formation and spatial navigation. The hippocampus minor is located in the medial temporal lobe, beneath the hippocampus proper.
This structure is often referred to as the "little hippocampus" or the "hippocampal tail" due to its relatively small size compared to the adjacent hippocampus. It is primarily composed of nerve cells or neurons, which are densely packed together to form a distinct neuronal layer.
The hippocampus minor plays a crucial role in memory consolidation and is particularly associated with episodic memory, which involves the recollection of specific events and personal experiences. It is also involved in the processing of spatial information and the formation of maps within the brain.
Any damage or abnormalities in the hippocampus minor can result in significant memory deficits, especially in terms of acquiring new memories and recalling previously learned information. Research has also linked alterations in the hippocampus minor to certain neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, where it is one of the earliest areas affected.
Overall, the hippocampus minor is an essential component of the brain's memory system, contributing to our ability to remember past events and navigate our environment.
Smaller h., calcar avis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "hippocampus minor" is a Latin term consisting of two components: "hippocampus" and "minor".
1. Hippocampus: The term "hippocampus" is derived from the Ancient Greek word "hippokampos", which translates to "horse-sea monster" in English. It is a combination of "hippos" (horse) and "kampos" (sea monster). In Greek mythology, the hippocampus was depicted as a creature with the upper body of a horse and the lower body of a fish or sea serpent. The hippocampus was associated with Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, and was often portrayed as pulling his chariot.
2. Minor: The word "minor" originates from the Latin term "minor", which means "lesser" or "smaller" in English.