Discovery of Ovoid Cells and Their Role in Memory

Ovoid cells are egg-shaped or oval biological cells found in various organisms, playing crucial roles in functions like reproduction, immune response, and structural support.

Context: Researchers have identified a new type of neuron responsible for recognition memory, the brain’s ability to distinguish between new and familiar objects and form long-term memories.

About Ovoid Cells

Ovoid cells are named for their distinct egg-like shape.
They exist in relatively small numbers in the hippocampus of various mammals, including humans and mice.
Ovoid cells become active when an individual encounters an unfamiliar object. This activation initiates the process of encoding and storing the object’s details in memory, enabling recognition even after an extended period.
- Object recognition memory is essential for daily functioning and survival, influencing behaviour and decision-making.
These neurons exhibit unique gene expression profiles and neural circuitry, setting them apart from other hippocampal neurons.