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What is the Entorhinal Cortex?

Donn Saylor
Donn Saylor

The entorhinal cortex is one of the brain's most important memory centers. Its main function is to relay messages to and from the hippocampus, which is viewed as one of the major sections of the brain and the epicenter of long-term memory and spatial navigation. The entorhinal cortex is situated in the medial temporal lobe, underneath the cerebral cortex and close to the hippocampus. It is one of the first areas of the brain to be affected by the plaque buildup of Alzheimer's disease.

Behavior, emotion, and memory are a few of the functions handled by the brain's limbic system. The entorhinal cortex is typically considered a part of this structure. The five senses relay information to the hippocampus via this cortex. It also transmits messages between the hippocampus and the neocortex, the area of the brain that handles motor skills, conscious thought, and sense perceptions, among several other vital functions.

The entorhinal cortex plays a central role in memory. This region processes and combines memories, most notably during sleep cycles. It also utilizes sensory information to deduce whether a particular sensory event has been experienced previously.

Considered to be a part of the limbic system, the five senses relay information to the hippocampus via the entorhinal cortex.
Considered to be a part of the limbic system, the five senses relay information to the hippocampus via the entorhinal cortex.

From the perspective of neuroanatomy — the tissues and structures of the nervous system — the entorhinal cortex also holds some major responsibility. It is thought that this cortex retains a neural blueprint of spatial movements. The area has a number of "path cells," which help an individual navigate clockwise or counterclockwise paths of movement.

The entorhinal cortex is one of the first areas of the brain affected with Alzheimer's disease.
The entorhinal cortex is one of the first areas of the brain affected with Alzheimer's disease.

When Alzheimer's disease strikes, it produces amyloid plaque accumulation within the brain. Amyloid is a type of fibrous protein buildup that is the biological hallmark of Alzheimer's. After plaque collects in the neocortex, it attacks the entorhinal cortex, making it one of the earliest-hit areas of the Alzheimer's-affected brain. Other proteins called neurofibrillary tangles also reach into this cortex before they reach other areas of the brain.

The entorhinal cortex may play an important role in clinical depression, particularly in seniors.
The entorhinal cortex may play an important role in clinical depression, particularly in seniors.

The accrual of these substances directly impacts the entorhinal cortex's ability to function properly. In many cases, the entire area atrophies during Alzheimer's. This process results in major problems of short-term memory preservation, memory consolidation, and spatial navigation.

Further research into the entorhinal cortex suggests that the region may also play a role in the development of depression and schizophrenia. One study demonstrated that the right side of the cortex was significantly smaller in elderly patients with clinical depression. Also, brain atrophy associated with schizophrenia might begin in this region.

Discussion Comments

anon146634

Can a three month old who they say is brain dead be able to move his body as to scoot or tighten his hand around your finger after being talked to?

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    • Considered to be a part of the limbic system, the five senses relay information to the hippocampus via the entorhinal cortex.
      By: Athanasia Nomikou
      Considered to be a part of the limbic system, the five senses relay information to the hippocampus via the entorhinal cortex.
    • The entorhinal cortex is one of the first areas of the brain affected with Alzheimer's disease.
      By: blueringmedia
      The entorhinal cortex is one of the first areas of the brain affected with Alzheimer's disease.
    • The entorhinal cortex may play an important role in clinical depression, particularly in seniors.
      By: Rob
      The entorhinal cortex may play an important role in clinical depression, particularly in seniors.
    • Engaging in brain-healthy activities such as reading may help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
      By: captblack76
      Engaging in brain-healthy activities such as reading may help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
    • The entorhinal cortex is one of the first areas of the brain to be affected by the plaque buildup of Alzheimer's disease.
      By: Sergey Novikov
      The entorhinal cortex is one of the first areas of the brain to be affected by the plaque buildup of Alzheimer's disease.
    • The enthorhinal cortex may play a role in depression among elderly people.
      By: gwimages
      The enthorhinal cortex may play a role in depression among elderly people.
    • The entorhinal cortex is situated in the medial temporal lobe, underneath the cerebral cortex and close to the hippocampus.
      By: Ioannis Pantzi
      The entorhinal cortex is situated in the medial temporal lobe, underneath the cerebral cortex and close to the hippocampus.
    • Amyloid is a type of fibrous protein build-up that is the biological hallmark of an Alzheimer's-affected brain.
      By: godfer
      Amyloid is a type of fibrous protein build-up that is the biological hallmark of an Alzheimer's-affected brain.