Synaptic plasticity

Synaptic plasticity is the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity. This dynamic process is believed to be critical for learning and memory.

Overview

Synaptic plasticity involves changes in the synaptic strength, which is the impact of presynaptic neuron's action on the postsynaptic cell. This strength can be increased, a process known as long-term potentiation (LTP), or decreased, known as long-term depression (LTD).

Mechanisms

The mechanisms of synaptic plasticity are diverse and include changes in the amount of neurotransmitter released into a synapse, changes in how effectively cells respond to those neurotransmitters, and changes in how much of a "boost" to its signal a receiving neuron gives in response to the neurotransmitters.

Long-term potentiation

File:Long-term potentiation.png

Long-term potentiation

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a long-lasting increase in synaptic strength. It is one of the major cellular mechanisms that underlies learning and memory. LTP is induced by a series of action potentials which cause a variety of biochemical responses. Eventually, these biochemical changes lead to the strengthening of the synapse.

Long-term depression

Long-term depression (LTD) is the opposite of LTP. It is a long-lasting decrease in synaptic strength. LTD can be induced by a different pattern of action potentials than those that induce LTP. The mechanisms that produce LTD are also different from those that produce LTP.

Role in learning and memory

Synaptic plasticity is one of the important neurochemical foundations of learning and memory. Changes in synaptic strength can be more permanent, lasting hours, days, or longer, and this long-lasting change in synaptic strength, particularly strengthening, is thought to be the main mechanism behind learning and memory.

See also

• Hebbian theory
• Neuroplasticity
• Memory consolidation
• Neural oscillation

References

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