Synaptic Plasticity and Long-Term Potentiation

Start with the mechanisms

Mechanisms of Synaptic Plasticity is a useful starting point for this page. Its map includes the CA1 region of the hippocampus, molecular mechanisms of long-term potentiation, NMDA receptors and a presynaptic mechanism. Follow its branches to see how the listed ideas sit together, then return to any term you want to study more closely.

The LTP mind map gives you another view, with a pathway through the dentate gyrus and hippocampal regions. Looking at both maps can help you organize the mechanisms and locations named in the resources.

Connect plasticity and memory

Hippocampus, Memory and Synaptic Plasticity covers the hippocampal role in spatial and episodic memory. It also includes material on disrupted spatial memory following hippocampal damage. Use it after the mechanisms map to follow the page's connection between synaptic plasticity and memory.

The notes on memory, learning and synaptic plasticity introduce a hypothesis about memory being stored as strengths of synaptic connections. Compare that idea with the material in the maps. A separate mind map considers NMDA receptor-dependent long-term potentiation and spatial learning, including questions about the tools used to study them.

Use a quiz alongside the maps

The quiz on synaptic plasticity includes questions about synapses in the mammalian central nervous system and postsynaptic depolarization. Try it after studying the maps, and use the questions to identify terms you want to look at again. You can then return to the relevant branches rather than reading every resource from the beginning.

Explore the unit

This topic is part of the Learning and Memory unit in Neuroscience. The page brings together material on synaptic mechanisms, hippocampal pathways and memory, as well as flashcards with questions about cerebellar learning. Choose a resource that connects with the part of the unit you are studying and use it to guide your next step.