Which part of the brain is critical for forming new memories?

The hippocampus is crucial for forming new memories, particularly explicit or declarative memories, which include facts and events. This brain structure plays a key role in the processes of encoding and retrieving memories. When experiences occur, the hippocampus helps consolidate information from short-term to long-term memory. It is within this region that new information is processed and integrated with existing knowledge, enabling the formation of lasting memories. Damage to the hippocampus can lead to difficulties in forming new memories, as seen in conditions like amnesia, underscoring its importance in memory formation.

In contrast, other options have different functions: the cerebellum is primarily involved in motor control and coordination; the amygdala plays a significant role in processing emotions and emotional memories; while the thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information but is not directly involved in the formation of memories. This distinction highlights the specific role of the hippocampus in memory processes.