Dentate gyrus

Dentate Gyrus

Dentate Gyrus (den-tate gy-rus, from Latin dentatus, meaning "toothed", and Greek gyrus, meaning "circle") is a part of the hippocampus in the brain that plays a crucial role in the formation of new episodic memories, the spontaneous exploration of novel environments, and other types of learning and memory processes.

Anatomy

The Dentate Gyrus is located within the hippocampus, specifically in the hippocampal formation. It is one of the few regions in the brain where adult neurogenesis, the process of generating new neurons, occurs. The Dentate Gyrus is characterized by a densely packed layer of granule cells, which give it a tooth-like or serrated appearance, hence the name "dentate".

Function

The primary function of the Dentate Gyrus is to contribute to the formation of new episodic memories. It also plays a role in spatial memory and navigation, and is involved in the process of pattern separation, which is the ability to distinguish between similar experiences or events.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the structure or function of the Dentate Gyrus have been implicated in a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, depression, and epilepsy. In particular, reduced neurogenesis in the Dentate Gyrus is thought to contribute to cognitive deficits observed in these conditions.

Related Terms

• Hippocampus
• Neurogenesis
• Alzheimer's disease
• Schizophrenia
• Depression
• Epilepsy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Dentate gyrus
• Wikipedia's article - Dentate gyrus

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