MEMORY

Memory is what shows that something that was learned can last over time. It is the ability to store information and knowledge in the brain and later be able to retrieve it. The memory works somewhat like a computer, encoding data into our brain through the hippocampus and then being stored in either short term or long term memory. Then once the data is needed again it is found in the "storage" area and brought forward for use. The hipposcampus processes information and sorts it into either long or short term memory information.

Sometimes memory deteriorates after a person's hippocampus becomes damaged during a stroke, heart attack, or any other form of injury. Then people can forget certain events while still remembering others. Sometimes people can remember past events but non from recent times. Sometimes is it the opposite. Some people have extreme recall and can recite long chains of numbers in perfect order or even remember events with every minute details decades after they have happened. A type of extreme recall is called Flashbulb Memory. When an emotionally stimulating event happens, a person will most likely remember all of the details. The birth of a child, a wedding day, a natural disaster, a death, etc, all of these events can be emotionally stirring and can implant themselves onto the brain's long term memory.

Memory is divided into different categories. First comes Sensory Memory. This is the first recording of some kind of touch or sensory information. A sight, smell, sound, or taste. This then gets transferred to either long term memory or short term memory, depending on what is relates to.

Long term memory is where data that has permanent use or important content is stored. This is a mostly permanent storage of information and can occupy as many memories as is needed.

Short term memory is a more day to day memory, sometimes lasting no more than five seconds. Here information which does not enduring importance is stored, such as remembering what you ate for breakfast or what you wore the day before.

(Charline)