Fornix

“Fornix”, a Latin word which means “arch”, refers to the body’s arch-like structures like those found in the eyes, uterus, pharynx, stomach, and kidney. However, this most often refers to the brain’s bundle of white matter which arches around the thalamus. It is an essential part of the limbic system since it functions as the main path of information from the hypothalamus, the brain part for memory. Fornix damage has been associated with anterograde amnesia (a condition characterized by the inability to retain new memories), and difficulties with recalling factual and episodic information. Moreover, fornix degeneration has been linked with dementia.