---
title: "Long-Term Potentiation — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Long-term potentiation (LTP) is the lasting strengthening of synapses that fire together, the brain's leading explanation for how memories physically form."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/long-term-potentiation"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Psychology"
---

# Long-Term Potentiation — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) is a persistent strengthening of synapses based on recent patterns of activity. This is thought to be a key mechanism behind learning and memory.

## Related Study Guides

- [5.3 Storing](/ap-psych-revised/unit-5/storing/study-guide/dGWJGJ4tczS9TM629yDC)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Synaptic Plasticity](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/synaptic-plasticity): The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time in response to increases or decreases in their activity.
- [Neurotransmitters](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/neurotransmitters): Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.
- Hebbian Theory: A theory proposing that neurons that fire together wire together, meaning connections between neurons become stronger with frequent activation.