long term potentiation

Question 1

Long term potentiation?

Answer 1

Long-Term Potentiation
Refers to the long -lasting strengthening of synaptic connections due to the activation of the same neural pathways.
• Repeated stimulation of neural pathways strengthens the likelihood of the neurons in this pathway firing again.
• This causes permanent functional and structural changes that lead to a long -term memory being stored.
-Functional changes:
• Increased release of neurotransmitters by the pre-synaptic neuron.
• Increased sensitivity of receptor sites on the post-synaptic neuron - firing more readily.
Structural changes:
• Growth of more receptor sites and dendritic spines on the post-synaptic neuron’s
• dendrites.
• Growth of filigree appendages on the axon terminals of the pre-synaptic neuron.
• Synaptogenesis occurs.
Hebbs Rule- ‘cells that fire together, wire together’