APA Dictionary of Psychology

a ridge (gyrus) on the medial (inner) surface of the temporal lobe of cerebral cortex, lying over the hippocampus. It is a component of the limbic system thought to be involved in spatial or topographic memory. A region of it, the parahippocampal place area (PPA), has been shown to have significant activity in response to complex visual scenes (e.g., city streets, rooms, landscapes) and may aid in place recognition. Also called parahippocampal cortex.