Sensory memory is the initial stage of memory that captures brief impressions of sensory information from the environment. It allows individuals to retain information from their senses, such as sight, sound, and touch, for a very short period, typically less than a second. This type of memory helps in processing and interpreting sensory experiences before they are either forgotten or transferred to short-term memory. There are different types of sensory memory, including iconic memory for visual stimuli and echoic memory for auditory stimuli. These memories are fleeting and serve as a buffer, enabling the brain to decide which information is worth retaining for further processing.