What are physical changes in nerve cells or brain activity called when memories are stored?

The term that describes physical changes in nerve cells or brain activity when memories are stored is known as memory traces. This concept refers to the lasting changes in the synapses and networks of neurons that occur as a result of encoding, storing, and recalling memories. These traces are believed to represent the information stored in our brain, forming a neural pattern that allows us to retrieve the memory later.

Memory traces are intrinsically linked to the process of synaptic plasticity, where the strength and efficiency of synaptic connections are modified—either strengthened or weakened—depending on various factors, including the frequency of use. This is fundamental to our understanding of how learning experiences can lead to long-lasting changes in the brain's wiring, serving as the biological basis for memory.

Understanding memory traces is crucial in cognitive psychology, as they illustrate how physical changes in the brain correlate with cognitive processes and experiences over time.