Question

1)The brain continues to amaze and baffle researchers. This rather complicated 3 pound structure of the central nervous system contains a large number of parts that work together to produce and organize even the most complex behaviors. Just as if you were describing a car's engine parts, each part has a particular function.

For this post, I would like for you to (1). choose any one structure or part of the human brain and discuss it's function(Not the brain stem or frontal lobes because they are already taken. In other words, tell us what this structure of the brain is "in charge of" or does.

Also, include a detailed summary as to what an individual would look or act like if the structure you choose was damaged or destroyed. Feel free to include links to video clips that demonstrate what occurs when this structure is affected.

2)The section in our chapter that discusses neurotransmitters gets me thinking about medications that aid in neurotransmitter production and/or regulation. Specifically, I am interested in us discussing the role of medications with mental illness.

As a society it seems as if we are more interested in taking a pill to decrease symptoms rather than going to therapy. No? If so, is this a good thing? What are your thoughts about this debate (Therapy vs. Medication)?  

In this post, make sure that you are discussing you opinion about this topic as well as including relavent source material that will back up your opinion. There are a number of studies that actually compare these variables and citing any of them would help support your thoughts!

Answer 1

The hippocampus is a small organ with a horseshoe-shaped structure, located in the brain's medial temporal lobe and forms an important part of the limbic system, the brain region that regulates memories, emotions, and motivation. The hippocampus is associated mainly with memory, in particular long-term memory. Specifically, the hippocampus links memories to emotions and sensations that accompany them. The organ also plays an important role in spatial navigation.

Damage to the hippocampus can lead to loss of memory and difficulty in establishing new memories. In Alzheimer's disease, the hippocampus is one of the first regions of the brain to be affected, leading to the confusion and loss of memory so commonly seen in the early stages of the disease. The following link is a good resource to understand the impact of the damage to or the removal of the hippocampus:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkaXNvzE4pk