Brain Function and Memory

The brain is a complicated organ that scientists still do not fully understand. Through research, we know that specific areas of the brain control certain functions. The cerebral cortex, primarily the frontal and temporal lobes, and the limbic system of the brain control different functions related to memory.

Basics

• All memories start out as sensory information absorbed by the brain, according to USA Today. Some of the information is stored in short-term memory (memory we can retrieve for only about 30 seconds), while other information gets stored as long-term memory. Long-term memories are broken down into basic parts, and integrated with pre-existing memories. Then they can be retrieved when needed.

The Cerebral Cortex

• The outermost layer of the brain, the cerebral cortex, works to absorb and analyze sensory data to learn new information, according to While You Are Waiting, a website dedicated to helping the loved ones of those in a coma due to brain injury.

Hemispheres

• The brain is divided into two sides, the left and right hemispheres, While You Are Waiting explains. The left hemisphere controls memories related to language, while the right hemisphere controls memories related to hearing, seeing, and special queues.

Frontal Lobe

• The frontal lobe, which is the part of the cerebral cortex under the forehead, functions to control memories involving habits and motor activity, according to the Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS) website. Damage to the frontal lobe can result in impairment of recent memory, according to While You Are Waiting.

Temporal Lobes

• The temporal lobes, located just above the ears, control memory acquisition, according to CNS. Without the temporal lobes, we could not retrieve stored memories. Damage to this region of the brain can interfere with both long- and short-term memory retrieval.

Limbic System

• An internal part of the brain, the limbic system also plays a role in relating new memories to existing things and events. Damage to the limbic system can result in loss of recent memories, according to While You Are Waiting.