What structure is responsible for the transfer of memories from short-term to long-term and is also involved in spatial memory?

The hippocampus is crucial for the transfer of memories from short-term to long-term storage, as well as for spatial memory processing. This brain structure enables the formation of new explicit memories and is particularly important for episodic memories, which are personal experiences tied to specific times and places. It helps consolidate information by connecting new experiences to existing knowledge, facilitating retrieval later on.

In addition to its role in memory, the hippocampus is integral to navigating and understanding spatial environments. It contains specialized cells, known as place cells, that become active when an individual is in a specific location. This spatial mapping capability is vital for activities such as navigation and memory formation related to environmental context.

Overall, the hippocampus's dual role in both memory consolidation and spatial orientation makes it a uniquely significant structure in the fields of cognitive psychology and neuroscience.