Neural Mechanisms of Memory

Abstract

Abstract At its most fundamental level, any change in neural responses after compared to before any experience can be labeled a memory. The ability to form and access memories of experiences involves complex neural mechanisms at both the cellular and systems levels. Animal and human (including lesion and neuroimaging) studies have evidenced a critical role for the hippocampus and connected brain regions in these processes. This chapter reviews the role of the hippocampus in the different stages of long-term memory, namely encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. Specifically, this chapter illustrates how the hippocampus, in conjunction with other brain regions, supports these processes, giving rise to humans’ rich experience of remembering.