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How the Brain Stores Information

 The brain stores information through a complex process involving neurons, synapses, and chemical signals. Here's a simplified explanation:

🧠 How the Brain Stores Information – In 5 Key Points


Encoding:

  1. When you see, hear, or experience something, your brain converts it into electrical signals using neurons. This is called encoding.

  2. Neural Connections:
    Information is stored by strengthening connections (called synapses) between neurons. "Neurons that fire together, wire together."

  3. Chemical Changes:
    Special chemicals called neurotransmitters (like dopamine, glutamate) help form and reinforce these synaptic links.

  4. Storage Locations:

    • Short-term memory is mainly in the prefrontal cortex.

    • Long-term memory involves the hippocampus, cortex, and amygdala.

    • Procedural memory (like riding a bike) is stored in the cerebellum and basal ganglia.

  5. Consolidation:
    During sleep, especially deep sleep, short-term memories are consolidated into long-term storage.

Bonus:

  • Memories aren't stored like files in a folder but as networks of patterns.

  • One memory can be stored across many regions of the brain.