The phonological loop is one of the components of working memory, which is the cognitive system that allows us to temporarily hold and manipulate information in our minds. The phonological loop is responsible for the temporary storage and manipulation of verbal information, such as the sounds of words and numbers. It is thought to operate by maintaining a “mental speech” or “inner voice” that rehearses information, allowing us to keep it in mind for a short period of time. This is important for many everyday activities, such as following directions, remembering a phone number, and learning new vocabulary.
