The Y maze test is a commonly used experimental method for evaluating spatial memory and exploratory behavior in mice, and is suitable for studying cognitive function, learning ability, and anxiety levels in mice. It can not only be used to assess spatial memory, but also to study the effects of drugs, genetic factors, environmental factors, and other variables on cognitive function.
A Y maze typically consists of a central area and three identical arms, forming a shape similar to the English letter "Y". The experiment is mainly based on the animal's innate instinct to explore new environments: when an animal can freely enter the three arms, it tends to enter an arm it has not visited recently.
