What are memories accessed by?

Memories are primarily accessed by neural pathways, which are the physical connections in the brain formed by neurons. When a memory is created, specific patterns of neuron activation develop, enabling the brain to store and retrieve information. When we attempt to recall a memory, the neural pathways associated with that memory become activated. This process relies on the strength and quality of the connections between neurons, which can be influenced by factors such as repetition and emotional significance.

While emotional triggers, conscious thought, and visual cues can play significant roles in the retrieval of memories, they act as facilitators or modifiers rather than the primary means by which memories are accessed. For instance, emotional triggers can enhance the recall of a memory due to the amygdala's involvement in processing emotions, conscious thought can direct attention to particular aspects of memories, and visual cues can serve as prompts that help jog one's memory. However, the fundamental mechanism for accessing memories lies in the neural pathways established in the brain.