An Analysis of Hippocampal Activity Evoked by Physiological and Electrical Stimulation

Abstract

The hippocampus has intrigued scientists for many years. Its apparently simple structure coupled with its unique physiology has stimulated both anatomists and neurophysiologists to investigate the specific role that the hippocampus performs in higher brain functions. Since the hippocampus is considered part of the limbic system which is linked with the olfactory system, the major function of the hippocampus was originally thought to be concerned with olfaction. However, since 1933, when Herrick (45) suggested that the hippocampus was concerned with complex behavior and served as a regulator of impulses arriving from the brain stem, research has been directed toward its role in behavior, emotion, learning and memory.