In other words, it filters through the ears and into the brain where the learning process takes place. Unfortunately, this process doesn't always happen. Those that believe they are really playing jazz by only reading tunes out of fake books are in for a rude surprise when they find themselves in the position of having to deal with musicians that are playing music that has been thoroughly internalized as all great jazz players do. This is conception. This is how music is composed.
Intervals are the basis of harmony.
All chords are based on intervals, usually the same intervals used in corresponding melodies - but not necessarily. Rules are meant to be broken and many great composers and improvisers break those rules. Chords share many of the same characteristics of intervals. Major, minor, augmented, diminished and so forth. Fortunately, we do not speak of a fourteenth or twenty second chord so this is also a finite study.