The entorhinal cortex is a region of the brain that is important for memory and navigation. It is located in the medial temporal lobe, close to the hippocampus. The entorhinal cortex receives input from all over the brain and sends output to the hippocampus.
The entorhinal cortex is thought to be important for two main types of memory: long-term memories and working memories. Long-term memories are those that we can remember for days, weeks, or even years. Working memory is the type of memory that allows us to keep information “in mind” for a short period of time, such as when we are solving a problem or trying to remember a list of items.
Recent research has shown that the entorhinal cortex is also important for navigation. When rats explore their environment, they create a mental map of their surroundings in their entorhinal cortex. This map helps them to find their way back to specific locations, such as their home base or a food source.
There is evidence that the entorhinal cortex plays a role in Alzheimer’s disease. This disease is characterized by problems with memory and navigation, which are two functions that are known to be mediated by the entorhinal cortex. In addition, people with Alzheimer’s disease have been found to have abnormalities in their entorhinal cortices.