What is the primary function of the hippocampus?

The hippocampus plays a crucial role in the formation of new memories and spatial navigation. It is part of the limbic system and is particularly involved in the consolidation of information from short-term memory to long-term memory. This means it aids in the ability to remember experiences, facts, and knowledge over time. Additionally, the hippocampus is essential for navigating spatial environments, allowing individuals to map out and orient themselves in their surroundings. This dual function is vital for learning and recalling information about both personal experiences and navigation across physical spaces.

In contrast, the regulation of heart rate is primarily managed by the autonomic nervous system, particularly through structures in the brainstem rather than the hippocampus. Coordination of voluntary movements is mainly the domain of the cerebellum and motor areas of the cerebral cortex, which work together to ensure smooth, deliberate motions. Lastly, the processing of sensory information occurs mostly in the different sensory areas of the brain (such as the visual cortex, auditory cortex, etc.), which analyze the incoming sensory stimuli before any memory consolidation or navigation takes place.