Neuroscience-Chapter 8

Question 1

What is synaptic plasticity?

Answer 1

Changes in the efficacy and local geometry of synaptic connections and transmission; one basis of learning, memory, and other forms of brain plasticity.

Question 2

What are the four mechanisms of synaptic plasticity?

Answer 2

Facilitation, augmentation, potentiation, and depression.

Question 3

What is synaptic facilitation?

Answer 3

A rapid increase in synaptic strength that occurs when two or more action potentials invade the presynaptic terminal within a few milliseconds of each other.

Question 4

What is the Residual Calcium Hypothesis?

Answer 4

Theory that facilitation is the result of prolonged elevation of presynaptic calcium levels following synaptic activity. (Calcium is still in the terminal from the first action potential, so when another comes along, more neurotransmitter is released).

Question 5

What is synaptic depression?

Answer 5

Causes neurotransmitter release to decline during sustained synaptic activity. Lowering external Ca2+ or decreasing the amount of vesicles available for release of neurotransmitter will cause synaptic depression.