Where in the brain is spatial memory primarily processed?

Spatial memory, which is critical for navigation and understanding the layout of environments, is primarily processed in the hippocampus. The hippocampus plays a vital role in the formation, organization, and storage of memories, particularly those related to spatial relationships. Research has demonstrated that this brain region contains place cells, which are neurons that activate when an individual is in or thinking about a specific location. This neural encoding allows individuals to navigate and remember spatial environments.

While other structures in the brain contribute to different aspects of memory and learning, they do not have the same specific association with spatial memory as the hippocampus. For instance, the amygdala is primarily involved in processing emotions and emotional memories, and the thalamus serves as a relay station for sensory information. The basal ganglia are more associated with procedural memory and the coordination of movement rather than spatial navigation. Thus, the hippocampus is the key structure for processing spatial memory.