Alveus

Alveus — clear, exam-friendly definition


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The alveus is a thin layer of white matter on the ventricular (superior) surface of the hippocampus, formed by efferent fibres of hippocampal pyramidal neurons.

Key points to remember 🧠

  • Location:

    • Covers the superior surface of the hippocampus (adjacent to the lateral ventricle)

  • Composition:

    • Myelinated axons from pyramidal cells of the hippocampus

  • Function:

    • Conveys output fibres from the hippocampus

  • Continuity:

    • Alveus → fimbria → fornix

      • Fibres gather in the fimbria

      • Then form the fornix, the major output pathway of the hippocampus

High-yield relationship (often asked)

  • Alveus = initial sheet of fibres

  • Fimbria = bundled fibres along hippocampal edge

  • Fornix = major tract carrying hippocampal outputs to mammillary bodies and septal nuclei

One-line oral exam answer

The alveus is a thin layer of white matter on the surface of the hippocampus that carries efferent fibres forming the fimbria and fornix.