How the Brain Works The Facts Visually Explained by DK (z-lib.org)

MEMORY, LEARNING, AND THINKING

Recalling a Memory

MEMORY, LEARNING, AND THINKING

Recalling a Memory

Recalling a memory is not the passive process we once

thought, like playing back a recording on your phone.

Instead, our brain actively reconstructs our experience from

the information it has stored. This introduces the opportunity

for mistakes, meaning our memories can change over time.

Reactivating a memory

When we recall a memory, we activate

the same network of neurons that

fired during the original experience,

bringing it back to mind. While being

recalled, the memory enters a flexible,

or labile, state. This means that once

we have finished thinking about that

memory, it must be reconsolidated

and stored again. If new information

is presented while the memory is

labile, it can be stored alongside old

information. This allows memories to

be changed and updated.

Stored memories

Most memories are stored

long-term in the cortex, but

you can’t point to the area for

your 18th birthday, for example.

Each memory is represented

by a network of neurons,

spread across the brain.

Cortex

Nerve-cell connection

activated during recall

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Nerve-cell connection

strengthens

Neuron in cortex

Strong emotions

make it easier for

connections to

strengthen

Memory in the cortex

Each time we recall a

long-term memory, the network of

cortical neurons storing it is activated.

This strengthens the connections

between the cells, so it is less likely

to be forgotten in the future.

1

Strong connections

If we do not recall a memory

frequently, the connections between

the cells will weaken and the memory

will fade. Memories associated with

strong emotions, however, are less

likely to decay with time.

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US_140-141_Recalling_a_Memory.indd 140 20/09/2019 12:37