LTP

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a process where synaptic connections between neurons become stronger with frequent activation. It is believed to be a mechanism underlying learning and memory. LTP and its counterpart, long-term depression (LTD), encode memory modifications and synaptic strengths. It is noted that associative LTP is a substrate for classical conditioning, which suggests that LTP is the basis of classical conditioning. Neurons form connections and change when a behavior is performed, and weak synapses can be potentiated through associative LTP. These synaptic connections form neural circuits that support sensory, motor, and cognitive skills. LTP is a process by which synaptic connections between neurons become stronger with frequent activation. LTP is thought to be a way in which the brain changes in response to experience and thus may be a mechanism underlying learning and memory. Memory modifications and synaptic strengths are encoded through cellular mechanisms such as LTP and LTD. Navrovi, 2014, noted that associative LTP is a substrate for classical conditioning based on the correspondence between the electrical stimulation parameters used to induce associative LTP and the parameters and training used in classical conditioning. According to our textbook, LTP is believed to be the basis of classical conditioning. LTP, LTD, and associative LTP can all be summed up in the expression cells that fire together wire together. Neurons make connections between brain pathways so when a behavior is performed, the connections between cells change. Initially, weak synapses produce only a minimal excitatory postsynaptic potential. Simultaneous activation of a strong synapse and activation of the weak synapse induce associative LTP. Following ALTP, the much larger excitatory postsynaptic potential indicates that the weak synapse has been potentiated. According to Brewer, from synaptic connections, brain cells form neural circuits that support our sensory, motor, and cognitive skills and regulate our behavior. I've cited all the sources in our reference section of this slideshow.