What brain structure is mainly involved in processing and recalling memories?

The hippocampus is primarily responsible for processing and recalling memories, playing a crucial role in the formation of new memories and the organization of information learned. This structure is essential for encoding experiences into long-term memory, and it is involved in spatial memory and navigation as well. Damage to the hippocampus can lead to difficulties in forming new memories, a condition often associated with amnesia.

While the thalamus plays a role in relaying sensory information and integrating it into a broader context, it is not specifically dedicated to memory processing. The amygdala, on the other hand, is involved in processing emotions and linking emotional significance to memories but does not handle memory recall and formation in the way the hippocampus does. The frontal lobe is engaged in higher cognitive functions such as decision-making and problem-solving but does not specifically process or recall memories like the hippocampus.

In summary, the hippocampus stands out as the key structure for memory processing and recall, making it the correct answer in this context.