Which part of the brain is primarily involved in processing explicit memories for storage?

The hippocampus is the region of the brain primarily responsible for processing explicit memories, which are memories that can be consciously recalled, such as facts and events. This area plays a critical role in the formation, organization, and storage of these memories. When you learn new information, the hippocampus helps encode it so that it can later be retrieved consciously.

Research has shown that damage to the hippocampus can result in significant memory deficits, particularly in forming new explicit memories, making it clear that this structure is essential for this type of memory processing. Additionally, the hippocampus is involved in the consolidation of memories from short-term to long-term storage, further highlighting its critical role in explicit memory.

While other brain regions such as the cerebellum, amygdala, and frontal lobe have their respective roles—such as in motor control, emotional processing, and executive functions—they do not primarily handle the processing and storage of explicit memories in the same direct manner as the hippocampus.