What part of the brain is primarily involved in processing long-term memories?

The hippocampus is the part of the brain that plays a crucial role in the formation, organization, and storage of long-term memories. It is particularly involved in the consolidation of information from short-term memory to long-term memory, which is essential for retaining information over time. The hippocampus helps to bind the various aspects of a memory, such as sensory and emotional components, into a cohesive whole that can be retrieved later.

Additionally, research has shown that damage to the hippocampus can result in significant difficulties in forming new long-term memories, while past memories that were established prior to such damage may still be intact. This highlights the hippocampus's specific function in memory processing and its importance in navigating and recalling the experiences that shape our lives. Other structures in the brain may be involved in different aspects of memory processing and emotional responses, but the hippocampus is paramount for long-term memory formation.