Short-Term Memory

Abstract

Short-term memory (STM) refers to systems which provide retention of limited amounts of material for a limited time period (seconds). Most investigated systems include Phonological, Spatial, and Visual STM, while STM storage exists also in other domains, as the somatosensory system. STM includes storage and rehearsal components, with the latter providing maintenance of events in memory against short-term forgetting. Discrete brain regions support STM, with left hemisphere posterior parietal and premotor frontal networks being more involved in Phonological STM, and right hemisphere regions in spatial STM. STM contributes to learning of new information and aspects of speech comprehension and production.