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Memory is the faculty of the mind by which data or information is encoded, stored, and retrieved when needed.

Memory is often understood as an information processing system with explicit and implicit functioning that is made up of a sensory processor, short-term (or working) memory, and long-term memory. Working memory serves as an encoding and retrieval processor. Information in the form of stimuli is encoded in accordance with explicit or implicit functions by the working memory processor. The working memory also retrieves information from previously stored material. Finally, the function of long-term memory is to store information through various categorical models or systems. Declarative, or explicit memory, is the conscious storage and recollection of data. Under declarative memory resides semantic and episodic memory. Semantic memory refers to memory that is encoded with specific meaning. Meanwhile, episodic memory refers to information that is encoded along a spatial and temporal plane. Declarative memory is usually the primary process thought of when referencing memory. Non-declarative, or implicit, memory is the unconscious storage and recollection of information. An example of a non-declarative process would be the unconscious learning or retrieval of information by way of procedural memory, or a priming phenomenon. Priming is the process of subliminally arousing specific responses from memory and shows that not all memory is consciously activated, whereas procedural memory is the slow and gradual learning of skills that often occurs without conscious attention to learning. Also, the storage process can become corrupted by physical damage to areas of the brain that are associated with memory storage, such as the hippocampus. Finally, the retrieval of information from long-term memory can be disrupted because of decay within long-term memory. Normal functioning, decay over time, and brain damage all affect the accuracy and capacity of the memory.

Iconic memory is a fast decaying store of visual information, a type of sensory memory that briefly stores an image that has been perceived for a small duration. Echoic memory is a fast decaying store of auditory information, also a sensory memory that briefly stores sounds that have been perceived for short durations.

Another part of long-term memory is episodic memory, "which attempts to capture information such as 'what', 'when' and 'where'". The hippocampus is essential (for learning new information) to the consolidation of information from short-term to long-term memory, although it does not seem to store information itself. Long-term memory formation depends on both the activation of memory promoting genes and the inhibition of memory suppressor genes, and DNA methylation/DNA demethylation was found to be a major mechanism for achieving this dual regulation.

The transition of a memory from short term to long term is called memory consolidation.

Declarative memory can be further sub-divided into semantic memory, concerning principles and facts taken independent of context; and episodic memory, concerning information specific to a particular context, such as a time and place. Autobiographical memory – memory for particular events within one's own life – is generally viewed as either equivalent to, or a subset of, episodic memory.

In contrast, procedural memory (or implicit memory) is not based on the conscious recall of information, but on implicit learning.

Another major way to distinguish different memory functions is whether the content to be remembered is in the past, retrospective memory, or in the future, prospective memory.

Hippocampal damage may also cause memory loss and problems with memory storage.

2005), suggesting a strong relationship between working memory and long-term memory.

Long-term memory, unlike short-term memory, is dependent upon the synthesis of new proteins.

Much of the current knowledge of memory has come from studying memory disorders, particularly loss of memory, known as amnesia.

Memory reconsolidation is when previously consolidated memories are recalled or retrieved from long-term memory to your active consciousness.

Quick Facts

• Memory is often understood as an information processing system with explicit and implicit functioning that is made up of a sensory processor, short-term (or working) memory, and long-term memory.
• Finally, the retrieval of information from long-term memory can be disrupted because of decay within long-term memory.
• Priming is the process of subliminally arousing specific responses from memory and shows that not all memory is consciously activated, whereas procedural memory is the slow and gradual learning of skills that often occurs without conscious attention to learning.
• Under declarative memory resides semantic and episodic memory.
• Declarative memory is usually the primary process thought of when referencing memory.

Source material: Wikipedia - "Memory". Adapted and summarized for DiscoverScroll. Original contributors are credited through the linked Wikipedia article. Read original on Wikipedia. CC BY-SA 4.0. Changes were made from the original.