In the Henry Molaison case, removal of which brain area impaired transfer of information from short-term to long-term memory?

In the Henry Molaison case, removal of which brain area impaired transfer of information from short-term to long-term memory?

• A. Hippocampus
• B. Amygdala
• C. Prefrontal cortex
• D. Cerebellum

Answer: (A)

Memory consolidation is the process that turns moment-to-moment information in short-term memory into lasting long-term memories. The hippocampus is central to this binding and consolidation process, helping to translate and store experiences as enduring memories. In Henry Molaison’s case, removing the hippocampus disrupted this transfer. He could hold information briefly in mind, but he couldn’t form lasting memories of new experiences, showing that the ability to convert short-term representations into long-term ones depended on the hippocampus. Yet his short-term memory remained functional and he could still learn some skills through procedures that don’t rely on declarative memory, illustrating that other brain systems support different types of memory. Other brain areas handle related aspects: the amygdala is important for emotional aspects of memories, the prefrontal cortex supports working memory and executive control, and the cerebellum is involved in motor and procedural learning. The hippocampus specifically underpins the consolidation of new declarative memories.

Memory consolidation is the process that turns moment-to-moment information in short-term memory into lasting long-term memories. The hippocampus is central to this binding and consolidation process, helping to translate and store experiences as enduring memories.

In Henry Molaison’s case, removing the hippocampus disrupted this transfer. He could hold information briefly in mind, but he couldn’t form lasting memories of new experiences, showing that the ability to convert short-term representations into long-term ones depended on the hippocampus. Yet his short-term memory remained functional and he could still learn some skills through procedures that don’t rely on declarative memory, illustrating that other brain systems support different types of memory.

Other brain areas handle related aspects: the amygdala is important for emotional aspects of memories, the prefrontal cortex supports working memory and executive control, and the cerebellum is involved in motor and procedural learning. The hippocampus specifically underpins the consolidation of new declarative memories.