How Does Synaptic Plasticity Give Rise to Learning and Memory?

Neuroscientists believe that learning and memory are the result of long-term changes in synaptic strength, via a mechanism known as synaptic plasticity. Synaptic strength is the gain of the postsynaptic cell s response to a presynaptic input (or potential in the transmembrane). What is synaptic plasticity? Synaptic plasticity is the ability of the connection between two neurons, i.e. synapse to change in strength or its potential. Changes in synaptic strength can be short-term and without permanent structural changes in the neurons themselves, lasting seconds to minutes or long-term, known as long-term potentiation, (LTP), in which repeated or continuous synaptic activation can result in a second messenger, i.e. another release of neurotransmitter, which initiates protein synthesis in the neuron s nucleus, resulting in alteration of the structure of the synapse itself. The opposing process of LTP is the long-term depression (LTD). LTP was discovered by Professor Terje Lomo from the University of Oslo (Norway), in 1966. LTP is also regarded as the cellular basis for memory. Hence, long-term memory (LTM) is addressed (@) by longterm potentiation (LTP) under the organization (ORG) of synaptic plasticity (SY), i.e. LTM@LTP.ORG.SY.c LTP and LTD are believed to contribute to synaptic plasticity in our brain, providing the foundation for a highly adaptable nervous system. Synaptic plasticity leads to the cellular basis of memory and learning