The dentate gyrus is part of the hippocampal formation. It contains granule cells, which project to the pyramidal cells and interneurons of the CA3 subfield of the hippocampus. The granule cells are the principal excitatory neurons of the dentate gyrus. The major input to the dentate gyrus (the so-called perforant pathway) is from the entorhinal cortex, and the dentate gyrus receives no direct inputs from other cortical structures. The perforant path is divided in the medial perforant path and the lateral perforant path generated respectively at the medial and lateral portions of the entorhinal cortex. The medial perforant path synapses onto the proximal dendritic area of the granule cells, while the lateral perforant path does it onto the distal dendrites of these same cells.

The dentate gyrus is also one of the few regions of the brain where neurogenesis takes place. Neurogenesis is thought to play a role in the formation of new memories. It has also been found to be increased in response to both antidepressants and physical exercise. This implies that neurogenesis may improve symptoms of depression.

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