Which term describes a theoretical component of working memory that acts as a bridge between long-term memory and the central executive?

The episodic buffer is a crucial aspect of Baddeley's model of working memory, designed to integrate and process information from both short-term and long-term memory. It serves as a temporary storage system that can hold and manipulate information, allowing for the coordination of data from different modalities, such as visual and auditory inputs. By acting as a bridge between the central executive, which directs attention and processes information, and long-term memory, the episodic buffer facilitates the integration of experiences and knowledge, enhancing our ability to recall information when necessary.

The other terms listed do not fulfill this bridging role. The phonological loop deals specifically with verbal and auditory information, while iconic memory pertains to brief visual retention. The levels of processing model explains how varying depth of internal processing affects memory retention but does not describe a functional component of working memory.