What is Memory?

Photo by johnhain on Pixabay

Memory

Memory is your brain’s way of holding onto information, experiences, and skills so you can use them later. It works like a mental filing system that takes in new details, keeps them safe, and pulls them out when needed.​

How It Works

Memory happens in three main steps: encoding turns new info into a form the brain can handle, storage keeps it there over time, and retrieval brings it back to mind. These steps rely on neurons firing together and strengthening connections called synapses.​

Types of Memory

• Short-term memory holds a few items for seconds or minutes, like a phone number while dialling.
• Long-term memory stores facts, events, and skills indefinitely, split into explicit (conscious recall, like your birthday) and implicit (automatic, like riding a bike).​

Your brain areas like the hippocampus help form new memories, while repetition and emotions make them stick better.

Further Reading​