Long-Term Potentiation
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.
Analogy
Imagine your brain as a gym. The more you use certain machines (or synapses), the stronger they get. This is like LTP - the more a synapse is used, the stronger it becomes, making it easier for signals to pass through.
Related terms
Synaptic Plasticity: The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time in response to increases or decreases in their activity.
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.
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Practice Questions (5)
What is long-term potentiation?
How does long-term potentiation influence learning and memory?
How does long-term potentiation contribute to our ability to remember things over time?
Which experimental procedure would be best suited to determine if long-term potentiation plays a role in phobia development?
How does the theory of long-term potentiation explain why cramming for an exam often results in quickly forgotten information?
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