Synaptic plasticity

This article is about synaptic plasticity. For the role of synapse formation and stabilization in plasticity, see Synaptic stabilization. For the general concept of brain plasticity, see Neuroplasticity.

In neuroscience, synaptic plasticity is the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity. Since memories are postulated to be represented by vastly interconnected neural circuits in the brain, synaptic plasticity is one of the important neurochemical foundations of learning and memory (see Hebbian theory).

The correlative Hebbian synaptic plasticity theory is one of the most influential ideas about the changes that may occur in the brain as it takes in new information. If cell A is frequently taking part in firing cell B, then the strength of their connection should increase. The increase in strength is based on causality and repetition between individual neurons within a neuronal population. The underlying factor is that the synapse is responsible for correct responses.

Plastic change often results from the alteration of the number of neurotransmitter receptors located on a synapse. There are several underlying mechanisms that cooperate to achieve synaptic plasticity, including changes in the quantity of neurotransmitters released into a synapse and changes in how effectively cells respond to those neurotransmitters. Synaptic plasticity in both excitatory and inhibitory synapses has been found to be dependent upon postsynaptic calcium release.

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