The Biology of Memory
The biology of memory is very complicated, researchers still do not know very much about how it works at the physiological level.
The main thing that memory comes down to is brain cells, or neurons, that communicate with each other through electro-chemical pathways. An electrical impulse travels down the "outgoing branch" or axon. Then the "fingers" at the end are stimulated to release chemicals called neurotransmitters (tiny molecules that send specific messages). The "incoming branches" or dendrites of other neurons pick these up. The space between the axon and dendrites is called a synapse. Synapses need time to “gel” for learning to stick. Recalling the memory is difficult, even impossible, if the synapse does not “gel”.
Photo Courtesy: http://www.wonderquest.com/memory3.htm
Hippocampus
The hippocampus is the part of the brain that involves long-term memory. Some researchers think that the hippocampus helps with memory organization. Others think that it helps with the transfer of information into long-term memory, or memory consolidation.
The brain area involved in processing memory might determine where memories are stored. Memories of visual information most likely end up in the visual cortex. According to research, it is suggested that there may be specific neural circuits for particular memories.
Photo Courtesy: http://www.morphonix.com/software/education/science/brain/game/specimens/images/hippocampus.gif
