What role does the hippocampus play in the brain?

The hippocampus is a crucial part of the brain involved primarily in the formation and consolidation of long-term memory. It plays a central role in the acquisition of new information and experiences, transforming them from short-term memory to more durable, long-term storage. This process is essential for learning and remembering facts, events, and skills.

The reason the other options do not relate to the primary function of the hippocampus is that they pertain to other brain regions or processes. For instance, regulating breathing is largely controlled by the medulla oblongata and the pons in the brainstem, not the hippocampus. The processing of auditory information primarily occurs in the auditory cortex, which is part of the temporal lobe, while understanding sensations is associated with the somatosensory cortex. Therefore, the unique function of the hippocampus in memory processing makes it a vital area for cognitive processes and learning, distinguishing it from the roles of the other brain structures mentioned.