What is one of the main roles of the hippocampus?

The hippocampus is primarily known for its critical role in the formation of new memories. It is essential for converting short-term memories into long-term ones and for spatial memory, which allows navigation and understanding of one's environment. This area of the brain helps individuals recall past experiences and learn new information, making it a cornerstone in the field of cognitive neuroscience. The integrity of the hippocampus is also vital for episodic memory, which is the ability to remember specific events and experiences. Therefore, the focus on memory formation accurately reflects the hippocampus’s primary function in the brain's overall architecture.