Long-term potentiation
Long-term potentiation
Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a long-lasting enhancement in signal transmission between two neurons that results from stimulating them synchronously. It is one of several phenomena underlying synaptic plasticity, the ability of chemical synapses to change their strength. As memories are thought to be encoded by modification of synaptic strength, LTP is widely considered one of the major cellular mechanisms that underlies learning and memory.
Pronunciation
Long-term potentiation: /ˈlɔːŋ tɜːrm pəʊtɪnʃɪˈeɪʃən/
Etymology
The term "long-term potentiation" comes from the fact that this form of synaptic plasticity can last anywhere from several minutes to a lifetime ("long-term"). The term "potentiation" refers to the strengthening of signaling between neurons that results from the increased sensitivity of postsynaptic neurons to their presynaptic partners' neurotransmitter release.
Related Terms
- Synaptic plasticity: The ability of the connection, or synapse, between two neurons to change in strength in response to either an increase or decrease in activity.
- Neuron: A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell.
- Neurotransmitter: Chemicals that transmit signals from a neuron to a target cell across a synapse.
- Synapse: A junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Long-term potentiation
- Wikipedia's article - Long-term potentiation
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