hippocampus crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "hippocampus crossword clue", tailored to different letter counts. Whether you're looking for a quick hint or a full solution, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "hippocampus crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
BRAIN: The hippocampus is a vital part of the human brain, primarily involved in memory formation.
6 Letters
MEMORY: The core function of the hippocampus, essential for learning and recalling information.
NEURAL: Pertaining to nerves or the nervous system; the hippocampus is a key neural structure.
8 Letters
SEAHORSE: A marine animal, also called hippocampus, known for its unique appearance and a common crossword trick.
More About "hippocampus crossword clue"
The term "hippocampus" is fascinating because it refers to two distinct entities: a critical part of the human brain and a type of marine fish. In the context of the brain, the hippocampus is a seahorse-shaped structure located in the medial temporal lobe, playing a crucial role in the consolidation of information from short-term memory to long-term memory and spatial navigation. Damage to the hippocampus can lead to severe memory impairments.
On the other hand, the hippocampus is also the genus name for seahorses, beautiful and unique marine fish. The brain structure was named after the fish due to its curved, elongated shape. This duality makes "hippocampus" a particularly rich and often tricky clue in crosswords, requiring solvers to consider both biological and zoological interpretations.
Understanding these dual meanings is key to cracking such clues. Crossword constructors often leverage these kinds of homonyms or shared etymologies to create challenging yet fair puzzles, rewarding solvers who possess a broad knowledge base.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Dual Meanings: Many clues, like "hippocampus," have more than one valid interpretation. Always think if the word could refer to something entirely different but share the same name or spelling.
- Analyze Word Lengths: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. If an answer doesn't fit a specific length, it's not the one you're looking for, even if it seems plausible.
- Look for Context: Sometimes, the surrounding clues or an overarching theme in the puzzle can give you hints about whether the answer refers to a biological term, an animal, or something else entirely.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly reading and exploring diverse topics, including science, literature, and geography, will naturally broaden your knowledge and improve your crossword-solving abilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hippocampus?
The hippocampus is a complex brain structure embedded deep into the temporal lobe. It has a major role in learning and memory, especially the formation of new long-term memories. It is also the name for a genus of marine fish, commonly known as seahorses.
Why is 'seahorse' a common answer for 'hippocampus' in crosswords?
The word 'hippocampus' originates from Greek, meaning 'horse' (hippos) and 'sea monster' (kampos), aptly describing the seahorse. The brain structure was named due to its curved shape resembling a seahorse, making it a popular double-meaning clue in crosswords.
How can I get better at solving crossword clues related to biology or anatomy?
Familiarize yourself with common prefixes, suffixes, and root words, especially those from Latin and Greek, as many biological terms are derived from them. Regularly reading about general science and keeping up with common knowledge can also significantly help.