Spike-timing-dependent plasticity
Spike-timing-dependent plasticity (pronounced: spike-timing-de-pen-dent plas-ti-city) is a biological process that adjusts the strength of connections between neurons in the brain. The process is dependent on the relative timing of a particular neuron's output and input action potentials (or "spikes").
Etymology
The term "Spike-timing-dependent plasticity" is derived from three main components: "spike", "timing", and "plasticity". "Spike" refers to the action potential in neurons, "timing" refers to the temporal order of these spikes, and "plasticity" refers to the ability of the brain to change and adapt as a result of experience.
Mechanism
In Spike-timing-dependent plasticity, the change in the synaptic strength depends on the precise timing of the presynaptic and postsynaptic spikes. If the presynaptic neuron fires just before the postsynaptic neuron, the synapse is strengthened (Long-Term Potentiation, LTP). Conversely, if the presynaptic neuron fires just after the postsynaptic neuron, the synapse is weakened (Long-Term Depression, LTD).
Role in Learning and Memory
Spike-timing-dependent plasticity is thought to be a crucial mechanism for learning and memory in the brain. It is believed to be one of the major cellular mechanisms that underlies learning and long-term memory storage.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Spike-timing-dependent plasticity
- Wikipedia's article - Spike-timing-dependent plasticity
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