The article discusses the medial temporal lobe memory system, which is essential for forming long-term declarative memory, such as facts and events. This system includes the hippocampus and related cortical areas like the entorhinal, perirhinal, and parahippocampal cortices. These structures help bind distributed storage sites in neocortex to form a whole memory. However, their role is temporary, as memory stored in neocortex becomes independent of the medial temporal lobe over time. The study of human amnesia, particularly in patient H.M., showed that damage to the medial temporal lobe, including the hippocampus and amygdala, leads to severe memory impairment. This was confirmed in animal models, such as monkeys with similar lesions. Research has shown that the hippocampus itself is critical for memory, and that the amygdala is not a key component of the medial temporal lobe memory system. The article also highlights the distinction between declarative (explicit) and nondeclarative (implicit) memory. Declarative memory depends on the medial temporal lobe, while nondeclarative memory, such as skill learning and habit formation, is independent of it. The medial temporal lobe memory system is involved in forming associations between events and stimuli, and it plays a crucial role in the initial stages of memory formation. Studies using MRI and animal models have helped identify the specific structures within the medial temporal lobe that are important for memory. The hippocampus, along with adjacent cortical areas, is essential for memory formation. However, damage to these areas leads to memory impairment, which can be reversed as memory becomes consolidated in neocortex. The article concludes that the medial temporal lobe memory system is crucial for the initial formation of long-term memory, but as time passes, memory becomes independent of this system. This process ensures that the medial temporal lobe remains available for the acquisition of new information. The findings from both human and animal studies support the idea that the medial temporal lobe memory system is a key component of memory function.The article discusses the medial temporal lobe memory system, which is essential for forming long-term declarative memory, such as facts and events. This system includes the hippocampus and related cortical areas like the entorhinal, perirhinal, and parahippocampal cortices. These structures help bind distributed storage sites in neocortex to form a whole memory. However, their role is temporary, as memory stored in neocortex becomes independent of the medial temporal lobe over time. The study of human amnesia, particularly in patient H.M., showed that damage to the medial temporal lobe, including the hippocampus and amygdala, leads to severe memory impairment. This was confirmed in animal models, such as monkeys with similar lesions. Research has shown that the hippocampus itself is critical for memory, and that the amygdala is not a key component of the medial temporal lobe memory system. The article also highlights the distinction between declarative (explicit) and nondeclarative (implicit) memory. Declarative memory depends on the medial temporal lobe, while nondeclarative memory, such as skill learning and habit formation, is independent of it. The medial temporal lobe memory system is involved in forming associations between events and stimuli, and it plays a crucial role in the initial stages of memory formation. Studies using MRI and animal models have helped identify the specific structures within the medial temporal lobe that are important for memory. The hippocampus, along with adjacent cortical areas, is essential for memory formation. However, damage to these areas leads to memory impairment, which can be reversed as memory becomes consolidated in neocortex. The article concludes that the medial temporal lobe memory system is crucial for the initial formation of long-term memory, but as time passes, memory becomes independent of this system. This process ensures that the medial temporal lobe remains available for the acquisition of new information. The findings from both human and animal studies support the idea that the medial temporal lobe memory system is a key component of memory function.