Final answer:
Memories in us are stored by neurons through a complex process that involves the cerebellum, hippocampus, and amygdala, along with changes in synaptic efficiency due to neurotransmitters like epinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, and acetylcholine. Strong emotions play a crucial role in reinforcing memory storage, as seen with flashbulb memories.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Nerve Cells Store Memories
Nerve cells in our brain, also known as neurons, are integral for the processing, storage, and retrieval of memories. Historically, researchers like Karl Lashley have sought to understand memory storage by searching for an engram, the physical representation of memory. Today, we recognize that memory storage is complex, involving various regions of the brain such as the cerebellum, hippocampus, and amygdala. These areas serve different functions, with the cerebellum processing procedural memories, the hippocampus encoding new memories, and the amygdala playing a role in emotional memory storage.
The physiology of memory involves synaptic changes between neurons. With repeated activity, increased levels of neurotransmitters are released into the synapses leading to more efficient synaptic connections, a process critical for memory consolidation. Neurotransmitters like epinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, and acetylcholine are all implicated in this process, though the exact role of each is still under investigation.
Strong emotions can amplify memory consolidation due to the increased release of neurotransmitters and hormones, a phenomenon evident in the case of flashbulb memories—vivid recollections of significant events. This illustrates the arousal theory, wherein high emotional arousal leads to stronger memories. This complex interplay of neural activity, neurotransmitter release, and emotional significance ultimately determines how memories are formed and preserved in our brains.