Memory is the brain's ability to convert a current experience into a code and store the information for later recall. As explained on the Brainwaves Center website, the brain will not commit sensory input to memory until it has been interpreted in a personally meaningful way. Scientists believe that memory results from changes in connections or connection strengths between neurons in the brain. The parts of the brain that are involved with memory are the hippocampus, the amygdala and the temporal lobes.
Hippocampus
The hippocampus is located deep within the brain and lies under the medial temporal lobes. Its function is to process new memories for long-term storage. The primary role of the hippocampus is memory formation, classification of information and long-term memory storage. As cited on the Memory Disorders Project, damage to the hippocampus can result in anterograde amnesia. Anterograde amnesia is the loss of the ability to form new memories but the retention of past memories.
Amygdala
The amygdala are an almond-shaped group of neurons located deep within the medial temporal lobes of the brain. The role of the amygdala is the processing of emotional reactions to memory. Damage to the amygdala results in the retention of the details of an event but not the emotional content of the event.
Temporal lobes
The temporal lobes are located on each side of the brain at about the level of the ears. This structure controls memory storage of past events, as well as, controlling emotions, hearing and on the left side of the brain, language. Damage to the left temporal lobe results in memory impairment for verbal material. Damage to the right temporal lobe results in the impaired memory of nonverbal material, such as music and art.
