Describe the function of the hippocampus (Chapter Four: The Brain: Source of Mind and Self). What implications are there if the neurons atrophy as a result of a significant trauma? Incorporate information on posttraumatic stress disorder in your essay

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: A good answer will include the following key points.
? The hippocampus serves as the "gateway to memory."
? Along with adjacent brain areas, it enables us to form new memories about facts and events (declarative memories).
? If neurons in the hippocampus atrophy as a result of significant trauma, a person will have more difficulty in storing new information in long-term memory.
? PTSD seems to develop more often if a person has a smaller-than-normal hippocampus and experiences a highly traumatic event.
? Some cases of prolonged PTSD, therefore, seem to be a result of impaired neurological and cognitive functioning that exists before a trauma takes place.