Name one of the primary functions of the hippocampus.

The hippocampus is primarily associated with memory formation, particularly in encoding new memories and consolidating them for long-term storage. It plays a crucial role in the process of transferring information from short-term memory to long-term memory, which is essential for learning. The structure is particularly important for declarative memory, which includes facts and events that can be consciously recalled. Damage to the hippocampus can result in difficulties in forming new memories, highlighting its integral role in this function. Thus, the identification of memory formation as a primary function of the hippocampus underscores its critical importance in both the learning process and overall cognitive functioning.