Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Eric Kandel is a neuroscientist who conducted research on sea slugs to study the biological basis for memory. His work focused on how changes in synaptic connections contribute to learning and long-term memory formation.
The ability of synapses (connections between neurons) to change and strengthen or weaken over time, which plays a crucial role in memory formation.
Long-Term Potentiation (LTP): A process by which synaptic connections become stronger through repeated stimulation, enhancing communication between neurons and facilitating long-term memory storage.
Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses, allowing neurons to communicate with each other. They are involved in various functions including learning and memory.