Fornix

Foreword: The brain works together as one whole. Brain functions are spread throughout the brain areas and result from the exchange
between the areas. However, complaints can be identified per brain area.

 

What does the name mean?

Fornix is Latin for arch. The fornix is a curved bundle of nerve endings.

 

Where in the brain?


The fornix connects the mammillary body to the hippocampus.
See the cross-section of the brain from the side.

For orientation: the forehead is on the right and the back of the head is on the left.

 

The cross-section below is when you view the brain from the back of the head, with the right hemisphere on the right and the left hemisphere on the left. Here you see the fornix in the middle.

 

By Mori S and Aggarwal M - Mori S and Aggarwal M (2014) In vivo magnetic resonance imaging of the human limbic white matter. Front. Aging Neurosci. 6:321. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2014.00321 http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fnagi.2014.00321/full, CC BY 4.0,https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44207254

Function


The fornix is important for:

  • feelings
  • learning processes
  • memory
  • motivation


The fornix transmits mnemonics from the hippocampus to deeper brain areas.

 

Injury in this area

  • Problems with long-term memory. Particularly details of past events. To a lesser extent, memory problems for remembering objects. The memory of familiar situations also appears to be damaged to a lesser extent than that of life events.
  • Problems learning new routes
  • Problems with spatial orientation

 

Part of the limbic system

The fornix belongs to the limbic system.

The limbic system is located at the edge below the cerebral lobes.
The entire limbic system is formed by a group of brain structures in the cerebrum that are involved in emotion, emotion regulation,
emotional memory, pleasure and motivation.

Hormones are produced here, among other things, and temperature and appetite are regulated.
Damage to the limbic system can bring the hormonal system out of balance. The ability to perceive hunger or a feeling of satiety
taking is reduced and emotional responses may change.