Abstract: In this paper we reviewed recent progress in studies on the formation and consolidation of declarative memory and proposed some modifications and extension for the classical model of memory storage. We argue that (1) consolidation and storage of declarative memory depends on the development of associations between anatomically separated regions in the neocortex, in which the medial temporal lobe plays a critical role; (2) after memory becomes consolidated, memory storage and retrieval completely rely on the network within the neocortex; (3) the episodic and semantic information in declarative memory is closely related but separately stored in different brain areas

Key words: declarative memory, consolidation, storage, medial temporal lobe