Memory is the mental activity of recalling information that you have learnt or experienced. That simple definition covers a complex process that involves many different parts of the brain and serve us in several ways.

Memory can be short term or long term. In short term memory your mind stores information fro a few seconds or minutes. the time it takes you to dial a phone number you just looked up or to compare the prices of several items in a store such a memory is fragile.

Long Term memory involves the information you make an effort (conscious or unconscious) to retain because it is personally meaningful to you (for example data about family and friends)

Certain areas of the brain are especially important in the formation and retention of memory. the hippocampus, a premature structure deep in the brain, plays the single largest role in processing information as memory. the amygdala, an almond-shaped areas near the hippocampus processes emotion and helps imprint memories that involves emotion...more