#3 u3aos1 - synaptic plasticity (ch3c) Flashcards
synaptic plasticity
2 marks
the ability for specific changes / modifications to occur
within the synapse, between neurons
2 ways synaptic plasticity can be demonstrated
2 marks
Long-term potentiation
Long-term depression
long-term potentiation (LTP)
4 marks
a psychological process
of long-lasting strengthening
of synaptic connections
resulting in enhanced/more efficient synaptic transmission
LTP occurs as a result of…
3 marks
repeated stimulation
of the post-synaptic neuron
by the pre-synaptic neuron.
what does repeated stimulation of the post-synaptic neuron do?
2 marks
strengthens the connection between neurons
makes it easier for the post-synaptic neuron to be activated by pre-synaptic neuron
explain what LTP operates
3 marks
helps operate learning/memory
as synapses are strengthened, we are more easily able to recall information + less likely able to forget it.
long-term depression (LTD)
3 marks
a psychological process
of long-lasting decrease in strengthening/weakening
of synaptic connections
resulting in less efficient synaptic transmission
LTD occurs as a result of…
3 marks
this then leads to…
2 marks
prolonged
low-level (weak) stimulation
of the post-synaptic neuron by the pre-synaptic neuron.
the post-synaptic neuron becomes less responsive to the pre-synaptic neuron
the connection is weakened or eliminated
why is eliminating synaptic connections during LTD important?
3 marks
it clears unused memories
making way for new information
or correcting faulty thoughts/feelings/behaviours.
role of glutamate in neural pathway
3 marks
the excitatory neurotransmitter is released
everytime a neural pathway linked to an experience is activated
strengthens pathway = stronger memory
steps of glutamate’s function
8 marks.
- glutamate is released by the pre-synaptic neuron.
- glutamate receptors on the post-synaptic neuron binds with glutamate
- repeated stimulation by glutamate leads to the growth of dendritic spines.
- growth of dendritic spines leads to enhanced neural transmission.
- glutamate excites adjacent neuron = rates of LTP for synapse increases.
- after LTP occurs, when glutamate is released from the pre-synaptic neuron to the post-synaptic neuron, the excitatory effect will be larger.
glutamates connection to LTD
1 mark
low levels of glutamate = high rates of LTD in the synapse
glutamates connection to LTP
1 mark
high levels of glutamate = high rates of LTP in the synapse
3 mechanisms of LTP and LTD
3 marks
rerouting
sprouting
pruning
rerouting
3 marks
the formation of new connections between neurons
to establish alternative neural pathways.
involved in both LTD and LTP
sprouting
2 marks
the growth of the axon terminal or dendrite fibres
at the synapse
filigree appendages
2 marks
a fibre that grows by sprouting at the AXON TERMINAL
of the pre-synaptic neuron
dendritic spines
2 marks
a fibre that grows by sprouting at the
DENDRITE
of the post-synaptic neuron
synaptogenesis
2 marks
the formation of new synapses
that are a result of sprouting
3 key functions sprouting involve
3 marks
filigree appendages
denrditic spines
synaptogenesis
pruning
1 mark
the removal of excess neurons
and synaptic connections
