How exactly is memory stored in the brain? If the information is stored in your brain physically, is there a way to know how much space one memory takes up in your brain?

Question

How exactly is memory stored in the brain? If the information is stored in your brain physically, is there a way to know how much space one memory takes up in your brain?

In: Biology

Answer 1

We don’t exactly know all the details of memory, it’s complicated. But, ignoring that because this is ELI5:

Information is stored in connections between neurons. Memories are mostly references to other memories, that’s how your brain makes the sort of memory mistakes that are the most common. It’s hard to imagine a memory that is completely stand alone.

Memory isn’t permanent. It’s constantly changing, to optimize the use of the available neurons and accommodate new experiences.