Illustration of long-term potentiation (LTP), the process of synaptic strengthening (IMAGE)
Caption
Shown on the left is a typical synapse, where one brain cell connects to another (the axon of one connecting to the dendrites of the other cell). Each dendrite is covered in tiny protrusions known as dendritic spines, which house receptors for neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that transmit signals between cells. Electrical signals in the axon trigger the release of these neurotransmitters across the synapse.
When a particular synapse is very active, it can lead to physical changes such as more neurotransmitter release and larger dendritic spines with a higher density of receptors.
The opposite can also occur if a connection isn’t very active for a long time; fewer neurotransmitters will be released, and dendritic spines can shrink or even disappear.
Credit
Luo-Chu Yang
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