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Why is the posterior hippocampus linked to cognitive and spatial processing?

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Patient H.M. and short-term memory loss explained — hippocampus Learn about Henry Molaison (better known as “patient H.M.”), whose short-term memory loss following a lobotomy helped researchers to understand how brain structures are related to brain function.

The posterior hippocampus is linked to cognitive and spatial processing primarily due to its distinct pattern of neural connectivity. Unlike the anterior hippocampus, which is preferentially connected to the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex to regulate emotion and stress, the posterior hippocampus maintains strong connections to the retrosplenial and posterior parietal cortices.1

These specific connections allow the posterior hippocampus to integrate information necessary for navigating environments and forming spatial representations. By interacting with the posterior parietal cortex—an area involved in perception, action, and attention—the posterior hippocampus helps bridge the gap between egocentric (body-centered) and allocentric (environment-centered) spatial frames of reference. This functional specialization enables the brain to effectively map layouts, plan routes, and store the spatial information required for complex cognitive tasks.21