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Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory

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Memory is one of the most vital higher mental functions of the brain. Memory is closely related to learning because it enables us to retain information and experiences from our past to use them in our present life. It also helps us to remember facts, events, and skills, such as riding a bike or swimming. There are two types of memory — declarative memory, which involves memorizing facts or events, and procedural memory, which enables us to remember how to do something like writing or playing an...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Memory-Enhancing Effect of Emotion

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Memory-Enhancing Effect of Emotion

Published on: May 4, 2011

Engram and behavior: How memory is stored in the brain.

Kisang Eom¹, Donguk Kim¹, Jung Ho Hyun²

¹Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.

Neurobiology of Learning and Memory

|March 12, 2025

Summary

Scientists study neural engrams, which are traces left by activated neural ensembles during information processing. Understanding these memory traces involves molecular changes and is crucial for neuroscience research.

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Published on: August 20, 2020

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cognitive Science
Molecular Biology

Background:

Neural activity during information processing leaves physical traces on neurons.
These traces involve changes in synaptic or intrinsic neuronal properties.
Memory formation is linked to molecular alterations within neurons.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the concepts of neural ensembles and neural engrams.
To review current research methodologies for studying neural traces.
To identify future directions in the field.

Main Methods:

Observational studies of neural activity.
Analysis of molecular changes in neurons.
Review of existing neuroscience literature and methodologies.

Main Results:

Neural ensembles represent groups of activated neurons.
Neural engrams are the physical traces of this neural activity.
The study highlights the importance of monitoring collective neural activity.

Conclusions:

The concepts of neural ensembles and engrams are foundational in neuroscience.
Advancements in monitoring techniques are crucial for understanding memory.
Future research should focus on refining methods to study neural engrams.