Short term memory is primarily controlled by the prefrontal cortex, which is located at the front part of the brain. This region is responsible for various higher-level cognitive functions, including attention, planning, and decision-making. The prefrontal cortex allows us to hold small amounts of information temporarily, which is crucial for tasks such as remembering a phone number long enough to dial it.
Additionally, the hippocampus, located deeper in the brain, plays a significant role in processing and consolidating memories. While the hippocampus is more associated with long-term memory formation, it also interacts with the prefrontal cortex to help with the retrieval and manipulation of short-term memories.
In summary, while the prefrontal cortex is the primary area responsible for short-term memory, it’s important to acknowledge the collaborative role of the hippocampus in managing and integrating these memories.