Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for memory and learning?

The hippocampus is primarily responsible for memory and learning. It plays a crucial role in the formation and retrieval of memories, particularly in the consolidation of information from short-term memory to long-term memory. The hippocampus is involved in the processing of spatial memory and navigation, allowing individuals to remember locations and context.

While other parts of the brain contribute to various aspects of memory, the hippocampus is uniquely important for the intricate processes that involve learning new information and storing it for future use. It is heavily interconnected with other brain regions, such as the cerebral cortex, which helps to store and manage previously learned information, but the initial encoding and consolidation occur within the hippocampus.

Understanding its role can shed light on conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, where hippocampal damage leads to significant memory impairments.