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Where are memories stored?
There are many theories of how and where memories are located in the brain. One of the most interesting is the "Jennifer Anniston neuron." Also known as the grandmother cell, the theory states that there is an individual neuron in your brain for each specific concept or object in your memory. For example, somewhere in your brain there is a neuron dedicated to Jennifer Anniston. This is obviously a an over-simplification of memory, but there is some truth to it. Researchers found that the same brain region would be activated with images, mentions or concepts related to a specific celebrity. In actuality, memories seem to be comprised of many neurons firing in a unique pattern
Brain Structures Involved in Memory
Neuron
The basic foundation of human thinking is the neuron. The human brain consists of approximately 100 billion neuron. Billions more make up the nervous system which allows the body to send electrical impulses that travel up to 250 miles per hour!
Hippocampus
Latin for "seahorse" the hippocampus is perhaps the most important structure for memory. It plays a key role in consolidation of memory from short to long term storage. The hippocampus also serves a function in spatial memory activities like navigation.
Amygdala
The amygdala also contributes to memory consolidation. It is believed that the right amygdala is used to form explicit memory while the left is for episodic. It is also key in emotional responses such as fear and stress, which partially explains why such events are more memorable
Basal Ganglia
The basal ganglia is a group of important structures that houses a wide variety of functions including motor memory. It is because of the basal ganglia that you never forget how to ride a bike. This is also believed to be the home of working memory, regulating what information is processed there.
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