Which structure in the limbic system is important for forming new explicit memories?

The hippocampus is critically involved in forming new explicit memories, which include factual information and experiences that can be consciously recalled. This structure helps to consolidate information from short-term memory to long-term memory, making it essential for learning new facts and events. When new experiences are encountered, the hippocampus processes and organizes these memories, allowing them to be stored in the brain for later retrieval.

In contrast, the amygdala primarily processes emotions and has a key role in emotional memory and responses rather than forming new explicit memories. The cerebellum is mainly associated with motor control and coordination, while the hypothalamus regulates various autonomic functions such as hunger and thirst, not memory formation. This distinction highlights the specialized functions of different structures within the limbic system and their importance in memory processing.