What is the primary function of the subiculum in the hippocampal formation?

The subiculum plays a crucial role in memory processes, particularly in encoding and retrieval. It serves as a major output structure of the hippocampus, acting as a transitional area between the hippocampus and other brain regions, such as the entorhinal cortex and various parts of the cortex. This positioning allows the subiculum to integrate and relay information related to memory. Additionally, it has been implicated in the processing of spatial memory, contextual information, and navigation, further cementing its importance in memory-related functions.

While the subiculum does have connections to the amygdala and can thus influence emotional responses, its primary known function is more focused on memory processes. Involvement in autonomic functions is a role that primarily belongs to other brain regions such as the brainstem and hypothalamus, which do not directly pertain to the hippocampal formation.