The Fornix: Definition, Characteristics, and Further Reading
The fornix is a prominent anatomical structure located in the brain, serving as a major pathway for communication between the hippocampus and other areas of the brain. It is an important part of the limbic system, a collection of structures involved in memory and emotion. The fornix is found in both humans and other animals, and plays a role in learning, memory, and other cognitive processes. In this article, we will discuss the definition, characteristics, and further reading resources on the fornix.
Definition
The fornix is a curved bundle of nerve fibers, located in the brain. It is part of the limbic system, and connects the hippocampus to other structures in the brain, such as the hypothalamus and the septum. The fornix is composed of axons, or nerve fibers, that are heavily myelinated. It is divided into two parts, the anterofornix and the postfornix, which are connected by the roof of the fornix. The fornix is an important part of the limbic system, which is involved in learning, memory, and emotions.
Characteristics
The fornix is a curved bundle of nerve fibers that connects the hippocampus to other structures in the brain. It is composed of heavily myelinated axons, and is divided into two parts, the anterofornix and the postfornix. The fornix is important for the transfer of information between the hippocampus and other structures in the brain, such as the hypothalamus and the septum. It is also involved in memory and learning, as well as emotion.
Further Reading
Cai, D., & Tonegawa, S. (2017). Memory engram cells have come of age. Neuron, 95(4), 645–664. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2017.07.017
Cocchi, L., Giacobini, E., & Strata, P. (2000). The fornix in memory and learning. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 24(7), 775–780. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0149-7634(00)00022-8
Ciaramelli, E., & di Pellegrino, G. (2008). The fornix: A key structure in the limbic system. Brain and Cognition, 68(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bandc.2008.03.004
Kesner, R. P. (2014). The fornix in learning and memory. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, 113, 19–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nlm.2013.08.001
McEwen, B. S., & Morrison, J. H. (2013). The brain on stress: Vulnerability and plasticity of the prefrontal cortex over the life course. Neuron, 79(1), 16–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2013.06.028