Long term potentiation and neural pathways

Question 1

Define: long-term potentiation

Answer 1

long-lasting strengthening of synaptic connections of neurons, resulting in the enhanced functioning of the neurons whenever they are activated.

Question 2

GENERALLY: what 3 changes occur to neurons?

Answer 2

More neurotransmitters
Bushier dendrites
More synapses

Question 3

Biologically, how does LTP work?

Answer 3

Ions channels open when neurotransmitters bind to receptor sites.

Changes the neuron’s potential (difference in charges between inside and outside of cell membrane)
.
Strength of synapse measured by HOW MUCH THE POSTSYNAPTIC NEURON’S POTENTIAL CHANGES AS A RESULT OF PRESYNAPTIC STIMULATION

Repeated stimulation causes the same level of presynaptic stimulation to convert to a larger level of postsynaptic potential (SYNAPSE IS STRENGTHENED WITH REPEATED STIMULATION))

Question 4

What happens to synapses and neurons in LTP?

Answer 4

Synapses are strengthened, postsynaptic neuron becomes more responsive/sensitive to the presynaptic neuron.

Question 5

Learning involves what?

Answer 5

Synapse formation

Question 6

Define: synapse formation

Answer 6

The overall concept of the creation of new neural pathways OR strengthening existing neural pathways

Question 7

What happens when something is initially learned?

Answer 7

New neural pathways are formed or moulded by the 3 changes

Question 8

WHat happens when something that is learned is rehearsed?

Answer 8

THe neural pathways are repeatedly stimulated and are thus strengthened by LTP