What would happen if the hippocampus was removed?
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Gabriel Hughes
Works at Amazon, Lives in Seattle. Graduated from University of Washington with a degree in Business Administration.
As a neuroscientist with a focus on cognitive neuroscience, I can tell you that the hippocampus plays a crucial role in various brain functions, particularly in the formation and retrieval of memories. If the hippocampus were to be removed, the consequences would be significant.
Firstly, the individual would likely experience severe memory impairments, particularly in the ability to form new memories, a condition known as anterograde amnesia. This means they would have difficulty remembering new experiences, events, or information after the removal.
Secondly, while some memories might be spared, especially those that were formed before the removal and have become long-term memories, the individual might still struggle with recall. This is because the hippocampus is also involved in the retrieval of stored memories.
Additionally, the hippocampus is involved in spatial navigation and spatial memory. Without it, a person might have difficulty remembering the layout of a familiar environment or navigating through new spaces.
It's important to note that the extent of the impairment would depend on various factors, including the extent of the removal (whether it's partial or complete), the side of the brain affected (since the hippocampus is present in both hemispheres), and the individual's ability to adapt and compensate for the loss.
In summary, the removal of the hippocampus would lead to significant cognitive deficits, most notably in memory formation and retrieval, as well as spatial navigation.
Firstly, the individual would likely experience severe memory impairments, particularly in the ability to form new memories, a condition known as anterograde amnesia. This means they would have difficulty remembering new experiences, events, or information after the removal.
Secondly, while some memories might be spared, especially those that were formed before the removal and have become long-term memories, the individual might still struggle with recall. This is because the hippocampus is also involved in the retrieval of stored memories.
Additionally, the hippocampus is involved in spatial navigation and spatial memory. Without it, a person might have difficulty remembering the layout of a familiar environment or navigating through new spaces.
It's important to note that the extent of the impairment would depend on various factors, including the extent of the removal (whether it's partial or complete), the side of the brain affected (since the hippocampus is present in both hemispheres), and the individual's ability to adapt and compensate for the loss.
In summary, the removal of the hippocampus would lead to significant cognitive deficits, most notably in memory formation and retrieval, as well as spatial navigation.
Works at Apple, Lives in Cupertino, CA
In an attempt to cure him, daredevil surgeon Dr. William Skoville removed H.M.'s hippocampus. Luckily, the seizures did go away �� but so did his long-term memory! Sam Kean walks us through this astonishing medical case, detailing everything H.M. taught us about the brain and memory.
2014-8-26
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Isabella Lopez
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
In an attempt to cure him, daredevil surgeon Dr. William Skoville removed H.M.'s hippocampus. Luckily, the seizures did go away �� but so did his long-term memory! Sam Kean walks us through this astonishing medical case, detailing everything H.M. taught us about the brain and memory.
