Abstract: Implicit memory and explicit memory are two distinct memory systems underlying different neural substrates. This article reviews the relevant studies of dissociation between implicit and explicit memory from two aspects: neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies. The neuropsychological evidence indexes that implicit memory is dissociated from explicit memory in neuroanatomy. Using the haemodynamic techniques of fMRI and PET, the most common finding is a decreased haemodynamic response in occipitotemporal cortex and left inferior prefrontal region for implicit memory, and a increased haemodynamic response in medial temporal lobe, prefrontal cortex and posterior medial parietal cortex for explicit memory. ERP studies have also found that there is different spatial and temporal distribution between implicit and explicit memory. At last, the author puts forward some advice for future research

Key words: implicit memory, explicit memory, neural dissociation