LTP and LTD

Question 1

Long term potentiation

Answer 1

refers to the long-lasting strengthening of synaptic connections resulting in enhanced or more effective synaptic transmission

Question 2

what does LTP improve?

Answer 2

the ability of the presynaptic and postsynaptic neuron to communicate with one another at the synapse

Question 3

what can LTP result in?

Answer 3

the creation of new neural pathways and strengthening of existing ones

Question 4

synaptogenesis

Answer 4

new synapses or connections are formed in process

Question 5

What changes are involved in LTP

Answer 5

• release of extra neurotransmitter from the pre-synaptic neuron
• bushier dendrites/more dendritic spines in the post-synaptic neuron
• increase in the number and sensitivity of receptors
• growth of new synapses

Question 6

Long term depression

Answer 6

a long-lasting decrease in the strength of synaptic transmission
- post synaptic neurons become less responsive and the synaptic connection is weakened

Question 7

what does LTD result from?

Answer 7

lack of stimulation of pre and post-synaptic neurons and prolonged low level of stimulation

Question 8

what is LTD important for?

Answer 8

important for learning and memory
- can prune unimportant or unwanted connections
- clears the brain of old memories to make room for
- new information to be learnt
- new memories to be formed
-

Question 8

what is LTD important for?

Answer 8

important for learning and memory
- can prune unimportant or unwanted connections
- clears the brain of old memories to make room for
- new information to be learnt
- new memories to be formed
- older memories to be modified
LTD only leaves the important connections that have been strengthened by repeated use of LTP