U3 AOS 1 - DP3

Question 1

Synaptic plasticity

Answer 1

specific changes that occur within the synapse, between neurons

Question 2

Long term potentiation (LTP)

Answer 2

the relatively permanent strengthening of synaptic connections as a result of repeated activation of a neural pathway

Question 3

More about LTP

Answer 3

Increase in receptors and neurotransmitters, communication is strengthened and LTP is more likely to fire and reach threshold

Question 4

Long term depression (LTD)

Answer 4

the relatively permanent weakening of synaptic connections as a result of repeated low-level activation

Question 5

More about LTD

Answer 5

Decrease in receptors overtime, decrease in neurotransmitters and communication across the synapse is weakened

Question 6

Combined effects of LTP/LTD

Answer 6

work together to strengthen skills and knowledge that we frequently use, while weakening those that we don’t use as frequently

Question 7

Sprouting

Answer 7

After LTP sprouting occurs where there is a growth of axon or dendrite fibres at the synapse and axon filigree appendages are produced.

Question 8

Rerouting

Answer 8

the formation of new connections between neurons to establish alternative neural pathways

Question 9

Pruning

Answer 9

LTD of synapses leads to pruning, which is the removal of excess neurons and synaptic connections that are not adequately activated to increase the efficiency of neuronal transmissions.