Which memory subsystem is responsible for the long-term storage of information?

The memory subsystem responsible for the long-term storage of information is long-term memory. This area of memory allows individuals to retain information over extended periods, from days to years and even a lifetime. Long-term memory encompasses various types of memories, such as declarative (memory of facts and events) and procedural (skills and tasks), enabling individuals to recall past experiences and knowledge over time.

In contrast, short-term memory holds information temporarily for a brief duration, typically lasting only a few seconds to a minute without rehearsal. Working memory, a subset of short-term memory, is focused on the manipulation and processing of information necessary for cognitive tasks. Echoic memory is a sensory memory specific to auditory information, retaining sounds for a brief period after the sound has ended. Therefore, long-term memory is distinctly characterized by its capacity for sustained storage and retrieval of information across a much longer time frame than the other subsystems mentioned.